Neisseria, Haemophilus, Bordetella

Question 1

Which 3 proteins mediate N. gonorrhoeae attachment and penetration into host cells?

Answer 1

Pili, PorB, and Opa

Question 2

What is the preferred diagnostic test for N. gonorrhoeae and why?

Answer 2

nucleic acid amplification (NAAT-PCR) because it’s easy to collect and has a high sensitivity and specificity

Question 3

What is the major virulence factor associated w/ Haemophilus?

Answer 3

polysaccharide capsule (antigenic serotypes a-f)

Question 4

What is the major virulence factor promoting bloodstream invasion and more severe infection for Type B H. influenzae?

Answer 4

polysaccharide capsule

Question 5

Distinguish invasive vs. non-invasive cases of H. influenzae in terms of age group affected.

Answer 5

• Invasive: children 2 mos - 6 years

- Non-invasive: children and adults

Question 6

What is the reservoir for B. pertussis?

Answer 6

humans– no other reservoir!

Question 7

What was the rise in pertussis cases in the 2000s due to and what was developed as a result?

Answer 7

due to adults losing their immunity and getting infected; Tdap vaccine was developed as a result; another rise happened around 2012, so adults were urged to get the vaccine