3.3 Flashcards
What infections are caused by N. meningitidis?
Endemic and epidemic meningitis, meningococcemia, and rarely pneumonia, purulent arthritis, or endophthalmitis
What is the leading cause of fatal bacterial meningitis
N. meningitidis
Where is N. meningitidis commonly found in the human body?
Nasopharynx and oropharynx (asymptomatic human carriage in the upper respiratory tract).
What carbohydrates does N. meningitidis ferment?
Glucose and maltose
What growth requirement is specific to N. meningitidis?
Requires iron for growth
What does a positive beta-lactamase test indicate for N. meningitidis?
It produces beta-lactamase
What is the mode of transmission for N. meningitidis?
Close contact with respiratory droplet secretions.
What is observed in microscopy of encapsulated strains of N. meningitidis?
A halo around the organism.
List the virulence factors of N. meningitidis.
Pili, polysaccharide capsule, LOS endotoxin, IgA protease, and cellular proteins
What are the key porin proteins in N. meningitidis
PorA and PorB.
Which encapsulated serogroups of N. meningitidis are the most common causes of infection?
Serogroups A, B, C, Y, and W-135.
List the infections and diseases caused by N. meningitidis
Meningococcemia, meningitis, meningococcal pneumonia, conjunctivitis, and urethritis.
The presence of N. meningitidis in the blood, occurring with or without meningitis
meningococcemia
What are the hallmark symptoms of meningococcemia?
Purpura, petechial skin rash, tachycardia, hypotension, and thrombosis
What syndrome is associated with hemorrhage in the adrenal glands during meningococcemia
Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome