Sketchy Microbiology: Neisseria Species

"Noir Series" — Neisseria Species

Red Theme - Gram Negative Cocci

Double Red Handcuffs – Gram Negative DiploCocci

Blue ring — Oxidase Positive

Detective holding a chocolate bar — Grows on Chocolate Agar

(inhibited by some of the lipids in blood agar. But heating the blood agar; aka Chocolate agar “inactivates” these lipids)

Vice city Private Nvestigator – VPN; special agar enriched with Vancomycin, Polymixin, and Nystatin

Starring “Thayer Martin” – Thayer Martin; aka VPN Agar; aka Selective Agar Medium

“MAC” Private eye — MAC Deficiency

(unable to form the MAC (Membrane Attack Complex) due to complex C5 - C9 being inhibited → more infections)

Show runs 5 - 9pm – reminds us C5 - C9 MAC (Membrane Attack Complex) Deficiency

Various Pocket Watch Chain Metals — Pilli allows attachment to surfaces and display antigenic variation (as a result our Immune System has a hard time targeting Neisseria and prevents a lasting immune response)

(Virulence Factor = Pilli)

Ace in MAC’s Hat w/ IgA symbol — Neisseria produces IgA Protease (which will cleave IGA at its hinge point → facilitates survival along mucosal surfaces)

(Virulence Factor)