Gram negative diplococci Flashcards
How are the Neisseria species differentiated in the lab?
meningococci ferment maltose and glucose; gonococci ferment only glucose.
Identify the relevant risk fator associated with Neisseria meningitidis.
increased transmission in military barracks, boarding schools, etc.
How does Neisseria gonorrhoea gram stain?
negative
What lab findings are useful to help diagnose Neisseria gonorrhoea? (4)
gram negative diplococci can be found inside or outside of PMNs; incubation on chocolate agar; oxidase positive is considered diagnostic; DNA probe or ELISA are preferred methods; will ferment glucose but not maltose.
What is morphology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
diplococci- kidney or coffee bean appearance
What is the morphology of Neisseria meningitidis?
diplococci
Is neonatal conjunctivitis associated with meningococci, gononcocci or both?
gonococci
Is pelvic inflammatory disease associated with meningococci, gonococci, or both?
gonococci
Identify relevant epidemiology and risk factors associated with Neisseria gonorrhoea. (2)
a major STD worldwide. Oral contraceptives may increase risk of infection by altering normal vaginal environment.
How is Neisseria meningitidis transmitted?
respiratory droplets in enclosed area
What are the clinical manifestations of Neisseria gonorrhoea in men, women and infants? (4+2+2)
men: yellow-green mucoprurulent discharge, red swollen urethral meatus, dysuria, increased urinary frequency.
women: often asymptomatic but can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. If disseminated migratory polyarthralgia, maculopapular rash.
vaginal birth infants: opthalmia neonatorium, leading to scaring of the cornea and blindness
What are the clinical features of gonorrhea? (6)
urethritis, cervicitis, PID, prostatitis, epididymitis, arthritis
What lab findings are useful to help diagnose Neisseria meningitidis? (6)
kidney or coffee-bean shaped; gram positive; oxidase positive; will ferment glucose and maltose (compare N. gonorrhoeae); can be identified by latex agglutination or LCR.
In septic arthritis associated with meningococci, gonococci, or both?
gonococci
How is Neisseria gonorrhoea transmitted?
sexual contact
Identify the major virulence/toxicity factors associated with Neisseria gonorrhoea. (3)
has pili, which help it to attach to mucosal surfaces and to resist phagocytosis. Also has IgA protease and lipooligosaccharide.
Identify the major virulence/toxicity factors associated with Neisseria meningitidis. (3)
polysaccharide capsule (helps resist phagocytosis by PMNs). LPS (responsible for septic schock). IgA protease.
What are the clinical manifestations of Neisseria meningitidis? (2)
septic meningitis-acute onset, fever, persistent headache, stiff neck. Waterhouse Freiderlchsen syndrome-high fever, widespread purpurea from DIC and shock causing destruction of adrenal glands.
Is a polysacharide capsule associated with meningococci, gonococci, or both?
meningococci
Is meningitis with septicemia associated with meningococci, gonococci, or both?
meningococci
What is the “common cause of” associated with Neisseria meningitidis?
common cause of epidemic meningitis, along with Strep pneumoniae
How does Neisseria meningitidis gram stain?
negative
Is maltose fermentation associated with meningococci, gonococci, or both?
meningococci
Is gonorrhea associated with meningococci, gonococci, or both?
gonococci
Is a vaccine available for meningococci, gonococci, or both?
meningococci
