Section 3: gram negative diplococci

Question 1

What are the characteristics of the neisseriaceae family?

Answer 1

both pathogenic and non-pathogenic genera and species
pathogenic=fastidious
oxidase positive

Question 2

What is the pathogenesis of neisseria gonorrhoeae in males?

Answer 2

aquired from unprotected sexual intercourse
penetrates mucous membranes of urethra–urethritis
common pain on urination and purulent discharge
epididymitis
prostatis
rectal infection
pharyngeal infection

Question 3

What is the pathogenesis of neisseira gonorrhoeae in females?

Answer 3

from unprotected sexual intercourse
largely remain unsymptomatic (therefore reservoir)
infects cervix or rectum
can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease
rectal infection
pharyngeal infection
untreated leads to pustular arthritis

Question 4

What results in ophthalmia neonatorum?

Answer 4

mother to child transmission of neisseria gonorrhoeae

can cause blindness

Question 5

What are the virulence factors of neisseria gonorrhoeae?

Answer 5

pili
gram negative with LOS instead of LPS-endotoxic activity
membrane proteins mediate adherence to host cell
secrete protease-destroys IgA

Question 6

What are the virulence factors of neisseria meningitidis?

Answer 6

polysaccharide capsule
endotoxin (from LPS)
IgA protease

Question 7

What can neisseria meningitidis cause?

Answer 7

meningitis
meningococcemia
Waterhous Friderchsen syndrome

Question 8

What is Waterhouse Friderichsen syndrome?

Answer 8

septic shock-bacteremia causing systemic immune response resulting in dangerous drops in BP and organ dysfunction
bilateral hemorrhage into adrenal glands
rapidly enlarging petechial skin lesions
intravascular coagulation and coma
death can occur in 6-8 hours