gram negative cocci

• clinically important gram negative cocci

  • neisseria meningitidis
  • neisseria gonorrheae
• N. meningitidis

  • one of the most common cause of meningitis
  • gram negative diplococci
  • virulence factors:
  • pili
  • polysaccharide capsule
  • transmission: respiratory droplets --> nasopharyngeal colonization --> dissemination into bloodstream and CSF
  • outbreaks of meningitis typically occur in areas where there is close contact btwn individuals
  • polysaccharide capsule is antigenically diverse --> serogroups
• N. gonorrhoeae

  • structure
  • gonococci are unencapsulated and piliated, ALWAYS considered a pathogen
  • transmission
  • the main method of transmission is sexual
  • GU infection is most common, pharyngeal and rectal infections on occasion
  • rarely, N, gonorrhoeae will disseminate into the bloodstream and cause septic arthritis
  • symptoms may include urethral discharge or dysuria, however, most pts are asymptomatic
  • diagnosis is usually conducted using nucleic acid testing (NAAT) in urine
  • prevention includes STD testing and pt education, no vaccine