Neisseria

Cards (34)

  • What type of bacteria are Neisseriaceae?
    Gram negative and aerobic
  • What are the forms that Neisseriaceae can take?
    They can be rods, cocci, or even multicellular.
  • How many genera are there in the Neisseriaceae family?
    Five genera
  • What is the genus name for the cocci in Neisseriaceae?
    Neisseria
  • Which genera in Neisseriaceae are rods?
    Alysiella, Simonsiella, Conchiformibius, Bergeriella, Eikenella, Kingella
  • Where are Neisseriaceae commonly found?
    They are found in the mouth.
  • What is unique about Neisseriaceae in terms of multicellularity?
    They are the only known animal symbionts that are multicellular.
  • What are the microbiological characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis?
    Gram negative diplococci, associated with mucous membranes, oxidase positive, capnophilic, non-motile but twitch due to type IV pili.
  • What distinguishes Neisseria gonorrhoeae from Neisseria meningitidis?
    Neisseria gonorrhoeae has no capsule, while Neisseria meningitidis has a capsule.
  • What is the antibiotic resistance status of Neisseria meningitidis compared to Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
    Antibiotic resistance is rare in Neisseria meningitidis but common in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
  • What types of sugars do Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae utilize?
    Neisseria meningitidis utilizes glucose and maltose, while Neisseria gonorrhoeae utilizes glucose only.
  • Is there a vaccine available for Neisseria meningitidis?
    Yes, vaccines are available.
  • What is the primary lifestyle of Neisseria meningitidis?
    Asymptomatic coloniser of the human upper respiratory tract.
  • What diseases are caused by Neisseria meningitidis?
    Meningitis and septicaemia in susceptible individuals.
  • What are the symptoms of meningitis?
    Symptoms include fever, headache, and stiff neck.
  • What is the significance of carriage in Neisseria meningitidis?
    Carriage offers some immunity and is crucial for understanding transmission.
  • What is the peak incidence time for Neisseria meningitidis cases?
    Peaks occur in winter months in the global north.
  • What is the historical significance of Hippocrates in relation to gonorrhea?
    He referred to it as "strangury" and "the pleasures of Venus."
  • What are the common symptoms of gonorrhea?
    Discharge from the genitals and burning when peeing.
  • How does gonorrhea affect women compared to men?
    Women are often asymptomatic, while men usually exhibit symptoms.
  • What is the risk associated with untreated gonorrhea in women?
    Risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
  • What is the laboratory diagnosis method for meningococcal disease?
    CSF and blood samples, microscopy, culture, and PCR.
  • What is the treatment for meningococcal disease?
    IV antibiotics such as benzyl penicillin or amoxicillin.
  • What is the significance of dual antimicrobial therapy for gonorrhea?
    It is recommended due to the development of resistance.
  • What is the role of the Meningitis Vaccine Project?
    To create and deploy effective meningococcal vaccines in the African meningitis belt.
  • What was the outcome of the MenAfriVac vaccine deployment in Chad?
    No cases of serogroup A meningococcal meningitis were reported in vaccinated regions.
  • What is the importance of the Bexsero vaccine?
    It provides possible protection against serogroup W and cross-protection against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection.
  • What are the key differences between Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
    • Neisseria meningitidis:
    • Has a capsule
    • Rare antibiotic resistance
    • Utilizes glucose and maltose
    • Vaccines available
    • Causes meningitis and septicaemia

    • Neisseria gonorrhoeae:
    • No capsule
    • Common antibiotic resistance
    • Utilizes glucose only
    • No specific vaccine
    • Causes urogenital infections
  • What are the symptoms and complications of meningococcal disease?
    • Symptoms:
    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Stiff neck

    • Complications:
    • High morbidity and mortality
    • Epidemic outbreaks
  • What are the challenges posed by Neisseria gonorrhoeae in terms of infection control?
    • High prevalence (>86 million cases annually)
    • Increases HIV transmission
    • Risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy
    • Complex transmission routes and reservoirs
  • What are the laboratory diagnosis methods for gonococcal disease?
    • Direct examination of exudates
    • Endocervical, cervical, anal, and eye swabs
    • Nucleic amplification tests
    • Old-fashioned culture methods
  • What are the treatment options for gonococcal disease?
    • Dual treatment with ceftriaxone and azithromycin
    • Increased surveillance of strains and resistance
    • Addressing high-level azithromycin resistance
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of meningococcal vaccines?
    • Strengths:
    • Effective against certain strains
    • Useful in outbreak control

    • Weaknesses:
    • Surface variation complicates development
    • Not all virulent strains are covered
  • What is the significance of the MenAfriVac vaccine in public health?
    • Highly effective at preventing serogroup A invasive meningococcal disease
    • Contributed to the virtual elimination of serogroup A meningitis and epidemics