Neisseriaceae Flashcards
What taxonomy is Neisseriaceae
- Phylogeny
What is the general characteristics of Neisseriaceae
- Gram negative aerobic rods or cocci
- Associated with mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals
- twitching motility via type IV pili
- oxidase positive
Explain what is Neisseriaceae meningitidis
- Asymptomatic commensal of the human upper respiratory tract (URT)
- Accidental human pathogen, causing meningitis and septicaemia
- very high morbidity and mortality
- sporadic or epidemic outbreaks
Explain what is Neisseriaceae gonorrhoeae
- usually sexually transmitted
- primarily infects the urogenital epithelia
- persistent, asymptomatic disease
- ## rare cases of disseminated infection
What is the ecological niche for Neisseriaceae Meningitidis
- Nasopharynx
How does Neiseriaceae meningitidis spread
- Spreads via saliva - direct contact / droplet spread
Explain the pathogenesis of Neisseriaceae meningitidis
- invasive phenotypes express the factors needed to invade the bloodstream
What are the pathogenicity factors of Neisseriaceae meningitidis
- Lipooligosaccharide (LOS)
- Type IV pili
- Surface proteins NadA and Opa
- Invasins
- Iron-acquisition
What are the signs and symptoms for Meningococcal meningitis
- vomiting
- excruciating intense headache
- other symptoms include: confusion, drowsiness, fever, sensitivity to light and a skin rash
- eventually, neck stiffens
- ## convulsions
What happens when meningococcal meningitis is left untreated
- fluid build-up in the ventricles of the brain, which can result in a loss of consciousness or even death
- need to be treated very quickly as meningococcal disease can kill within 4 hours
What treaments / preventions are there for meningococcal meningitis
- Vaccines
What is the difference between N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoea
- N. gonorrhoea is non capsulated unlike N. meningitidis
What is on the outer membrane of Neisseria Gonorrhoea
- Lipooligosaccharide (LOS)
- Surfacce protein OPA
How do you get Neisseria gonorrhoea
- via unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex
Signs of gonorrhoea
- discharge from the genitals
- burning when peeing
- transmitted from mother to baby during birth
- may rapidly perforate the cornea
- urgent referral for intensive IV and topical treatment