Infection: Neisseria Meningitidis

Question 1

What is the classification of neisseria meningitidis?

Answer 1

Gram negative diplococci

Question 2

What infections does neisseria meningitidis cause?

Answer 2

Causes meningitis in children and young adults

Sepsis

Question 3

What is the mode of transmission of neisseria meningitidis?

Answer 3

Spread through salivary and respiratory secretions: coughing, sneezing, kissing, chewing on toys

Question 4

Where is neisseria meningitidis found?

Answer 4

Carried in the nasopharynx by 10% of adults - unknown why it causes disease in some individuals

Question 5

What are some of the virulence factors?

Answer 5

It sticks to the cell using pili and surface exposed proteins Opa and Opc
Has a polysaccharide capsule which prevents phagocytosis

Question 6

What is the treatment for neisseria meningitidis infection?

Answer 6

IMMEDIATE treatment with cephalosporin antibiotic eg cefotaxamine
There is also a meningococcal type C vaccine