CNS/STD

Question 1

neisseria Meningitis

Answer 1

requires complex medium for growth
gram - diplococci (LOS)
polysaccharide capsule basis for serogroup designation
Serogroups associated with human disease ABCy and W135
possesses pili
Porins A and B, iron uptake=host transferrin

Question 2

N meningitidis

Answer 2

Pathogenisis:
Attach to non ciliated columnar epithelial cells of the nasopharynx via pili
Meningococci are internalized into phagocytic vacuoles
repliction occurs and transcystosis to subepethelial spaces
Capsule is major virulent determinent, blocks phagocytic destruction
LOS induces vascular dammage, inflmmation of vessel walls, thrombosis and coagulation

humans are only reservoir and are natural carriers, asymptomatic, young adults/teens, disease is sporadic

subsaharan africa

gram stain, blood culture