Is Neisseria normal flora?
meningitidis andN. gonorrhoeae have long been recognized as the pathogenicNeisseria. OtherNeisseria spp. are common components of the normal flora of the upper respiratory tract of humans and are often called commensalNeisseria.
Where can Neisseria meningitidis be found?
N. meningitidis bacteria are found in the nose and throat without causing disease. Most people exposed to N. meningitidis do not become ill.
What type of organism is Neisseria meningitidis?
N. meningitidis is a gram-negative β proteobacterium and member of the bacterial family of Neisseriaceae. N. meningitidis is a fastidious bacterium, dying within hours on inanimate surfaces, and is either an encapsulated or unencapsulated, aerobic diplococcus with a “kidney” or “coffee-bean” shape (Fig.
Where did Neisseria meningitidis come from?
Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) was first discovered in 1887 by Weichselbaum from analyzing the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient infected with meningitis. [1] It is a human-specific bacterium that causes a multitude of illnesses, collectively termed meningococcal disease.
Where does bacterial meningitis come from?
Bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause acute bacterial meningitis. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges. This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or — rarely — some surgeries.
Is Neisseria meningitidis commensal?
Neisseria meningitidis is a harmless commensal bacterium finely adapted to humans. Unfortunately, under “privileged” conditions, it adopts a “devious” lifestyle leading to uncontrolled behavior characterized by the unleashing of molecular weapons causing potentially lethal disease such as sepsis and acute meningitis.
What environments and sources are associated with Neisseria meningitidis?
Meningococcal transmission and disease have also been linked to environmental conditions including changes in humidity, smoking and 'dust' (Harmattan, a hot dry wind) [3–5]. Capsular polysaccharide is a major meningococcal virulence factor.
How is Neisseria meningitidis cultured?
N. meningitidis is a fastidious organism, which grows best at 35-37°C with ~5% CO2 (or in a candle-jar). It can grow on both a blood agar plate (BAP) and a chocolate agar plate (CAP).
Where is Neisseria gonorrhoeae found?
N. gonorrhoeae infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in women and men. N. gonorrhoeae can also infect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum.
Can you get Neisseria meningitidis from food?
In fact, the bacteria that cause meningitis are less contagious than viruses that cause the cold or flu. Not all bacteria that cause meningitis are spread from one person to another. You can also develop bacterial meningitis after eating certain foods containing the Listeria bacterium, such as: soft cheeses.
How is Neisseria meningitidis spread?
N. meningitidis: People spread these bacteria by sharing respiratory or throat secretions (saliva or spit). This typically occurs during close (coughing or kissing) or lengthy (living together) contact.
How do you grow Neisseria meningitidis?
N. meningitidis is a fastidious organism, which grows best at 35-37°C with ~5% CO2 (or in a candle-jar). It can grow on both a blood agar plate (BAP) and a chocolate agar plate (CAP).