Neisseria Flashcards
Characteristics of Neisseria
- gram negative
- diplococci
- aerobes
- oxidase positive
- catalase positive
- produces cytochrome oxidase
- oval organisms in pairs/small clumps
- non-motile
- do not form endospores
Name two species of neisseria
n. Gonorrhoea
N. Meningitidis
What does N. Gonorrhoea cause? (X4)
- gonorrhoea (STD)
- cervicitis
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- pharyngitis
Name 4 virulence factors that promote the actions of N. Gonorrhoea
- simple capsule and pili
- Opa proteins (OMP II) facilitate adhesion
- Pili enables organism to resist phagocytosis
- IgA protease produced
Identification of N. Gonorrhoea
Swabs of infected material Gram stain, intracellular gram negative diplococci Cooked blood agar Oxidase positive Glucose positive Maltose and sucrose negative
Treatment of N. Gonorrhoea
Penicillin
Cephalosporins and second antibiotic
What does N. Meningitidis cause? Name 2 other bacteria that causes the same disease
Acute suppurative meningitis
Also caused by S. Pneumonia and H. Influenza
What is meningitis?
The infection and inflammation of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges + CSF)
Reservoir of N. Meningitidis
In the nasopharynx of 5-10% of the population
Transmission of N. Meningitidis
Spread by infected carrier via respiratory secretions
To which age group is N. Meningitidis the greatest threat?
Children under 5 years old
Initial symptoms of disease caused by N. Meningitidis (x4)
- abrupt onset
- malaise
- high fever (40deg)
- possible rash (bloodstream)
Identification of N. Meningitidis (x5)
- non-motile
- gram negative diplococci
- oxidase-positive
- cultured on CBA/chocolate agar
- ferments glucose and maltose
Diagnosis of N. Meningitidis
Sampling of CSF
Serogroup specific anti-capsular antibody reactions
Control of N. Meningitidis
- Meningococcal C conjugate (MenC)
- Meningococcal B
