Lecture 12 Flashcards
What are the general characteristics of Neisseria?
Gram– dipplococci; small nonmotile aerobes that are oxidase-positive, has pili; invasive
What is the reservoir for Neisseria?
STRICTLY human
What exotoxins do Neisseria species produce?
no exotoxins have been identified
What disease do Neisseria species cause commonly?
Gonorrhea
What is the second most common bacterial STI in USA?
Gonorrhea
What is the most (#1) common STI in USA?
HPV
What is the difference between a disease and infection?
one can have an infection without developing a disease
Why is using the term “STI” more accurate than using the term “STD”? (infection vs disease)
one can be infected but not form a disease and have no symptoms = asymptomatic but can pass on infection to another person who may develop symptoms = disease
Who first identified Neisseria species? What year?
Albert Neisser (German physician), 1879
What is another name for the Neisseria species?
Moraxella species
What are the 2 Neisseria species discussed?
N. gonorrheae and N. meningitides
What is another name for N. gonorrheae?
Gonococcus
What is another name for N. meningitides?
Meningococcus
What diseases does Gonococcus cause?
Gonorrhea
What diseases does Meningococcus cause?
bacterial meningitis and septicemia
How many known Neisseria/Moraxella species are found in humans?
10
What is gonorrhea (STI) called in the hood?
The Clap
What kind of pathogen is N. gonorrheae considered to be and why?
mucosal pathogen because it colonizes with mucosal epithelial membranes/surfaces
What are the 2 characteristics of all mucosal pathogens?
cannot survive outside of host and highly sensitive to light
What is the mode of transmission of N. gonorrheae?
vaginal/anal/oral sex (due to genital secretions) with someone infected (does not need to have the disease)
Is gonorrhea a new or old disease? What is the evidence?
old bacteria STI infected men from ancient world as well as Biblical references
What does “gono” and “rrhea” mean?
“gono” = seed and “rrhea” = flow
What does “asymptomatic carriage” mean?
pathogen is carried mostly via asymptomatic persons
What percentage of women are asymptomatic?
~20-40%
What percentage of men are asymptomatic?
~10%
Which gender is more susceptible to develop gonorrhea and why?
men because they are only 10% asymptomatic
Which gender is more likely to transmit gonorrhea and why?
women because they are more asymptomatic = will not know IF they are infected
What are the common symptoms of gonorrhea in women?
vaginitis (mild), increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding between periods
In which gender does painful/burning sensation when urinating occur as a symptom of gonorrhea? What is this due to?
BOTH men and women; due to infection of urethral canal
What are the common symptoms of gonorrhea in men?
penile discharge (white, yellow, or green), painful/swollen testicles (less common)
What are the symptoms of gonorrhea in a rectal infection?
P-DABS = Painful bowel-movements, Discharge, Anal-itches, Bleeding, Soreness
Can symptoms of gonorrhea occur anywhere else in the body other than the reproductive tract?
Yes, like in the liver and pharynx
What is gonococcal conjunctivitis?
N. gonorrheae causes an eye infection in newborns from their infected mothers