154: Gram-Negative Coccal and Bacillary Infections Flashcards
What is the primary virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis that allows differentiation into serogroups?
The primary virulence factor is the capsule, which is based on capsule polysaccharides and allows differentiation into serogroups A, C, W-135, X, and Y.
What are the common culture media used for isolating Neisseria meningitidis?
Common culture media include:
- Blood agar
- Trypticase-soy agar
- Chocolate agar
- Modified Thayer Martin agar
On blood agar, colonies appear as light gray, non-hemolytic, round, and glistening with a clear defined edge.
What is the significance of the Factor H binding protein in Neisseria meningitidis?
The Factor H binding protein binds factor H, which downregulates the alternative complement pathway and degrades C3, playing a crucial role in evading the host’s immune response.
What is the relationship between lipooligosaccharide levels and the severity of meningococcal infection?
There is a direct correlation between the levels of lipooligosaccharide and the severity of meningococcal infection; high levels are associated with poor prognosis.
Who is the exclusive host for Neisseria meningitidis and what is a common factor affecting infection rates in young children?
Humans are the exclusive host for Neisseria meningitidis, primarily through nasopharyngeal carriage. Young children experience sporadic infections due to waning levels of protective maternal antibodies.
What is the causative agent of meningococcal infections worldwide?
Neisseria meningitidis is responsible for 1.2 million cases of infection and 135,000 deaths annually.
What are the common presentations of disseminated meningococcal infection?
It may present as meningitis alone, acute meningococcemia, or chronic meningococcemia.
What is the gold standard for diagnosing Neisseria meningitidis infections?
Culture isolation of N. meningitidis from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or other bodily fluids.
What is the most important factor in the treatment of acute meningococcal infection?
Early initiation of antibiotics is crucial.
What is the recommended vaccination schedule for Neisseria meningitidis?
Vaccination against serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y is recommended for all patients at 11 or 12 years of age with a booster at age 16 years.
What virulence factor allows differentiation into serogroups for Neisseria meningitidis?
The capsule is a virulence factor that allows differentiation based on capsule polysaccharides.
What role do pili play in Neisseria meningitidis infections?
Pili promote adherence to host cells and tissues and undergo phase and antigenic variation.
What is the significance of lipooligosaccharide in Neisseria meningitidis?
It triggers the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and correlates with the severity of meningococcal infection.
Who is the exclusive host for Neisseria meningitidis?
Humans are the exclusive host, primarily through nasopharyngeal carriage.
Why are young children at risk for sporadic infections of Neisseria meningitidis?
Due to waning levels of protective maternal antibodies.
What are the primary virulence factors of Neisseria meningitidis and their roles in infection?
The primary virulence factors of Neisseria meningitidis include:
| Virulence Factor | Role |
|——————|——|
| Capsule | Allows differentiation into serogroups based on polysaccharides; important for immune evasion. |
| Pili | Promotes adherence to host cells and tissues; undergoes phase and antigenic variation. |
| Opa proteins | Found on the outer membrane; enhances adherence to nasopharyngeal epithelium. |
| Factor H binding protein | Binds factor H, downregulating the alternative complement pathway, aiding in immune evasion. |
| Lipooligosaccharide | Triggers pro-inflammatory cytokine production and activates complement pathways; correlates with infection severity.
How does the epidemiology of Neisseria meningitidis infections differ in young children compared to adults?
In the epidemiology of Neisseria meningitidis infections:
- Young children are at higher risk due to:
- Sporadic infections resulting from waning levels of protective maternal antibodies.
- Adults typically have a lower incidence of infection, as they may have developed immunity through previous exposure or vaccination.
What is the significance of the capsule in Neisseria meningitidis regarding vaccination challenges?
The capsule of Neisseria meningitidis is significant because:
- It serves as a virulence factor, allowing differentiation into serogroups (A, C, W-135, X, Y).
- The B serogroup demonstrates molecular mimicry, resembling human neuronal cells, which makes it poorly immunogenic and presents challenges for effective vaccination.
What are the clinical implications of high levels of lipooligosaccharide in Neisseria meningitidis infections?
High levels of lipooligosaccharide in Neisseria meningitidis infections have clinical implications such as:
- Triggering the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can lead to severe inflammatory responses.
- Activating complement pathways, which can result in simultaneous activation and inhibition of coagulation pathways.
- A direct correlation exists between high levels of lipooligosaccharide and poor prognosis in meningococcal infections.
What are the common cutaneous findings associated with acute meningococcemia?
- Fever + petechial rash that progresses to fulminant septicemia within hours.
-
Petechial rash:
- Hallmark (not always present); small, irregular with smudged appearance.
- Common in children aged 1-18 more than in infants and adults.
- Most common location: extremities; can occur on palms, soles, mucous membranes, and conjunctiva.
- Rapid increase in number and size indicates fulminant disease progression.
-
Purpura fulminans:
- Retiform purpura and skin necrosis; may occur with DIC; caused by sepsis.
- DIC + purpura fulminans = Low Protein C levels.
What are the risk factors associated with N. meningitidis infections?
-
Lack of bactericidal antibodies:
- Anatomic/functional asplenia, HIV, defects of terminal alternative complement pathways.
- Deficiency of properdin: Positive regulator of alternative complement pathway.
- Crowded living conditions: Adolescents and young adults living in crowded environments are at higher risk.
What are the non-cutaneous findings associated with meningococcemia?
- Myalgias
- Arthralgias
- Cold or discolored extremities
- Hypotension
- Altered mental status
- Renal failure
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
- DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation)
- Waterhouse-Friedrichsen syndrome
What is the transmission method of N. meningitidis?
- Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, direct contact, or kissing.
- The bacteria reside in the nasopharynx of healthy individuals and can arise within 2 weeks of acquisition.
A college student living in a dormitory develops meningococcal meningitis. What are the risk factors associated with this condition?
Crowded living conditions, lack of bactericidal antibodies, and deficiencies in the alternative complement pathway (e.g., properdin deficiency).