Section 3 GRAM NEGATIVE DIPLOCOCCI Flashcards
One of the Family Neisseriacciae characteristics, All members of genus Neisseria are ____ positive?
Oxidase positive
-Possess a cytochrome oxidase system to use oxygen as a final electron acceptor to convert O2 to hydrogen peroxide
How are Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) abld to prevent phacotytosis by macrophages?
By attaching to receptors on host cell via Pili
*Pili are a complex set of genes that change constantly resulting in variable antigens
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) have a gram negative cell wall and are composed of … ?
LOS - Lipo-oligosaccharide (not LPS = no capsule)
What does Neisseria gonorrhoeae secrete to increase its virulence factor?
IgA protease that destroys immunoglobulin A
Are a large percentage of males or females who have Neisseria gonorrhoeae asymptomatic?
Females; they are a reservoir for disease
What are the symptoms of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in males?
Urethritis (and painful urination), Epididymitis, Prostatitis, Rectal infection, Pharyngeal infection
What happens to an infant when the mother transmits her disease to her child during birth?
Results in ophthalmia neonatorum in the 1st or 2nd day of life, can damage cornea leading to blindness
*use Chemoprophylasix = erythromycin eye drops for newborns
What is the treatment for gonorrhoeae?
PPNB (penicillinase producing gonococci)
or use Spectinomycin if allergic
What is used to treat Chlamydia?
Tetracycline
What happens in Meningococcemia?
Bacteria invade bloodstream from nasopharynx can result in deadly sepsis
What is Waterhouse Friderichsen syndrome?
o Septic shock- bacteremia causing a systemic immune response resulting in
dangerous drops in blood pressure and organ dysfunction.
o Bilateral hemorrhage into adrenal glands- adrenal insufficiency o Rapidly enlarging petechial skin lesions
o Intravascular coagulation and coma
o Death can occur in 6-8 hours
What is the treatment for meningitidis?
Penicillin G
Ceftriaxone if allergic to penicillins
