PHAR 541: Gram negative cocci (GNC)

clinically important GNC

1. neisseria meningitidis

2. neisseria gonorrheae

N. meningitidis

• one of the most common causes of meningitis

• gram negative diplococci

• virulence factors - pili and polysaccharide capsule

• transmission: respiratory droplets → nasopharyngeal colonization → dissemination into bloodstream and CSF

• polysaccharide capsule is antigenically diverse → serogroups

N. gonorrhoeae structure and transmission

• structure: gonococci are unencapsulated and piliated. always considered a pathogen

• transmission: the main method of transmission is STD

• symptoms may include urethral discharge or dysuria, however, most patients are asymptomatic

• prevention includes STD testing and patient education, no vaccine

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