Gram Negative Pyogens (Neisseria, H. Influenzae, Bordatella) Flashcards
What are the four fastidious gram negative pyogens?
1) Neisseria gonorrheae
2) Neisseria meningitidis
3) Haemophilus influenzae
4) Bordetella pertussis
What are the two pathogenic species of Neisseria?
1) N. gonorrhoeae
2) N. meningitides
Gram negative organisms cause disease primarily through their production of _____ and the resulting host _____
Gram negative organisms cause disease primarily through their production of ENDOTOXINS and the resulting host IMMUNE RESPONSE
Species of Neisseria are differentiated by their ability to _______
Use specific sugars for energy
What sugars and pH indicator are placed into a broth to help differentiate N. gonorrheae and N. meningitidis in the lab?
Sugars: Glucose, maltose, sucrose, and lactose
pH indicator: Phenol red
What sugars do N. gonorrheae and N. meningitidis ferment (use for energy)?
N. gonorrheae: ONLY glucose
N. meningitidis: Glucose AND maltose
What are the two main structural differences between N. gonorrheae and N. meningitidis?
Encapsulation and amount of pili
N. gonorrheae: NO capsule, A LOT of pili
N. meningitidis: Thick CAPSULE, some pili (not as many as gonorrheae)
How does Neisseria appear upon gram staining?
Gram negative
Non-motile
Diplococci
Usually in pairs
T/F: Neisseria is capable of surviving for long periods in the external environment
FALSE
This is why it must be transmitted by close or intimate contact. It dries out in the environment
Neisseria attach to _____ of mucosal surfaces via their pili and outer membrane surface proteins
Non-ciliated columnar epithelium
T/F Both pathogenic species of Neisseria are phagocytosed as a part of their life cycle inside the host
FALSE
N. gonorrheae: Actively phagocytosed by PMNs → Remains localized → Generates pus
N. meningitidis: EVADES phagocytosis (capsule) → Enters blood stream → Sepsis
What is the lab test that differentiates Neisseria for other organisms? How does it work?
Oxidase Test
1) Oxidase reagent placed on filter paper
2) Bacteria rubbed on top
3) Oxidase positive → Purple-blue (Neisseria!)
4) Oxidase negative → no color change
What species of Neisseria is responsible for the STI gonorrhea?
N. gonorrheae
Duh
What virulence factor of N. gonorrheae mediates attachment to other cells (sticking to a spermatozoa and moving up the female reproductive tract, e.g.)?
Pilin and Opa protein
N. gonorrheae has 3 proteins that strip _____ from transferrin, lactoferrin, and hemoglobin that is used for survival of the organism
Iron
What virulence factor of N. gonorrheae is an endotoxin with high activity that generates the pus characteristic of infection?
LipoOLIGOsaccharide
What virulence factor of N. gonorrheae is found on mucosal surfaces and protects the organism?
IgA1 Protease
What virulence factor of N. gonorrheae lends it its resistance to penicillin or other Beta-lactams?
Beta-lactamase
Neisseria gonorrheae forms micro-colonies by attaching their pilito the microvilli of epithelial cells. After formation of the micro-colony, they exhibit _____, where the pili actively extend, grab another cell, and retract, moving the micro-colony across the cell surface.
Twitching motility
T/F Women have a higher incidence of acquiring N. gonorrheae infectioTns from sexual contact
TRUE
The vagina and cervix have an 80% chance of infection after exposure, while the male urethra has only a 20% risk of infection after exposure
The majority of N. gonorrheae cases occur in 15-29 year olds, and is associated with _____ and _____
Sexual activity
Lack of condom use
What are the non-genital sites of N. gonorrheae infection?
Oropharynx, rectum, conjunctiva
T/F N. gonorrheae in non-genital and genital sites of juveniles/childres is a sign of sexual abuse.
TRUE
When infected with N. gonorrheae, males present with _____ 2 to 3 days after the sexual encounter with _____ and _____
Acute urethritis w/ severe dysuria and purulent dischagre
T/F: Most females infected with N. gonorrheae present with a cervicitis and/or urethritis.
FALSE
Most females infected with N. gonorrheae are asymptomatic
Females presenting with symptoms typically do have cervicitis and/or urethritis though
Why is there no effective vaccine against N. gonorrheae?
N. gonorrheae undergoes antigenic drift, changing their pili and outer membrane proteins (Opa) to avoid immune eradication
Neonates who acquire gonorrhea from infected mothers often present with _____. Tx?
Neonatal ophthalmia
Tx: Abx eye drops
A very small percentage of N. gonorrheae infections lead to bacteremia. What are the two characteristic features of the disseminated infection?
1) Painful hemorrhagic lesions on the hands
2) Septic arthritis (usually knees - can culture from pus of infected joints)
How can N. gonorrheae cause an ectopic pregnancy (a life threatening condition)?
Untreated → ascends female GU → to fallopian tubes → Inflammation damages tubal cilia → Egg isn’t pushed along normally → Egg trapped and fertilized ectopically
What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?
2-7 Days after exposure:
Burning/itching during urination w/ thick yellowish discharge from penis or vagina
Polyuria/Increased frequency
Swelling/redness of urethral opening
Vulvar itching/burning/pain
Etc