Neisseria

• What type of bacteria is Neisseria classified as?

  Gram negative and aerobic
• How many genera are there in the Neisseriaceae family?

  5 genera
• What shape do Neisseria bacteria typically have?

  Cocci
• Where are Neisseria bacteria typically found?

  In the mouth
• What is unique about Neisseria in terms of symbiosis?

  They are the only known animal symbionts that are multicellular
• What is the primary pathogenic species of Neisseria associated with meningitis?

  Neisseria meningitidis
• What type of flora does Neisseria meningitidis represent?

  Normal flora and disease
• What is the significance of the capsule in Neisseria meningitidis?

  It helps in evading the immune response
• How common is antibiotic resistance in Neisseria meningitidis?

  Antibiotic resistance is rare
• What sugars does Neisseria meningitidis utilize?

  Glucose and maltose
• What is the primary pathogenic species of Neisseria associated with gonorrhea?

  Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• What indicates an infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

  Its presence in the body
• What is the capsule status of Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

  It has no capsule
• How does Neisseria gonorrhoeae's antibiotic resistance compare to Neisseria meningitidis?

  Antibiotic resistance is common in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• What type of sugars does Neisseria gonorrhoeae utilize?

  Only glucose
• What shape are both Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

  Gram negative diplococci
• Where are Neisseria species typically associated?

  With mucous membranes
• What is the oxidase status of Neisseria species?

  Oxidase positive
• What type of environment do Neisseria species require for growth?

  Capnophilic, requiring CO2
• How do Neisseria species move?

  They are non-motile but can twitch due to type IV pili
• What are the lifestyle differences between Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

  • N. meningitidis:
  • Asymptomatic colonizer of the human upper respiratory tract
  • Accidental human pathogen causing meningitis and septicaemia
  • N. gonorrhoeae:
  • Primarily infects urogenital epithelia
  • Can cause pharyngitis and conjunctivitis
• What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease?

  Headache, cold limbs, high fevers, photophobia, stiff neck, rash, delirium, grey/green skin
• Who is primarily affected by meningococcal disease?

  Mainly children
• When do peaks of meningococcal disease occur?

  In winter months in the global north
• What is the meningitis belt?

  A region in sub-Saharan Africa where epidemics occur
• How often do epidemics of meningococcal disease occur?

  Every 8-10 years
• What was the impact of the 1996-1997 meningococcal epidemic?

  250,000 cases and 25,000 deaths
• What is reactive immunization?

  It helps but can be too late for effective prevention
• What historical figure is associated with the term "strangury" in relation to gonorrhea?

  Hippocrates
• What does the term "gonorrhea" mean?

  "Flow of seed"
• Who discovered Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

  Albert Neisser
• What technique did Neisser use to stain samples from gonorrhea patients?

  Koch's technique
• Did Neisser's findings satisfy Koch's postulates?

  No, they did not satisfy Koch's postulates
• What was Neisser's stance on public health regarding STIs?

  He advocated for public STI clinics and health education
• What are common symptoms of gonorrhea?

  Discharge from the genitals and burning when peeing
• Are men or women more likely to show symptoms of gonorrhea?

  Men usually get symptoms, but women can be asymptomatic
• How can gonorrhea be transmitted from mother to child?

  Through childbirth, causing conjunctivitis
• What is the risk of untreated gonorrhea in terms of infertility?

  It poses a risk of infertility in both men and women
• What laboratory methods are used for diagnosing meningococcal disease?

  CSF and blood samples, microscopy, culture, PCR
• What laboratory methods are used for diagnosing gonococcal disease?

  Direct examination of exudates and nucleic amplification tests