Neisseria

• 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