Neisseria Species and Moraxella catarrhalis Review

These flashcards summarize key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on Neisseria species and Moraxella catarrhalis to aid in exam preparation.

Neisseria

A genus of Gram-negative bacteria, known for being aerobic, nonmotile, and often pathogenic.

Gram-negative diplococci

Bacterial cells that are spherical in shape, occurring in pairs, and characterized by a thin peptidoglycan layer stained pink by Gram staining.

Pathogenicity

The ability of an organism to cause disease.

Commensal

An organism that normally lives in harmony with its host without causing disease.

Beta-lactamase

An enzyme produced by some bacteria that provides resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics.

Catalase-positive

Refers to organisms that produce the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide.

Oxidase-positive

Refers to bacteria that produce cytochrome c oxidase, a component of the electron transport chain.

Endophthalmitis

An inflammation of the interior of the eye, often due to infection.

Ceftriaxone

A third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

Meningococcemia

A life-threatening condition due to the presence of Neisseria meningitidis in the bloodstream.

Ophthalmia neonatorum

A form of conjunctivitis occurring in infants, typically caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae during childbirth.

Epididymitis

An inflammation of the epididymis, often caused by infection.

Dysuria

Painful or difficult urination, commonly associated with urinary tract infections.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause serious complications.

Neutropenia

A reduction in the number of neutrophils, increasing the risk of infection.

Capnophilic

Organisms that require high concentrations of carbon dioxide for growth.

Pili

Hair-like structures on the surface of bacteria that facilitate attachment to surfaces and evasion of the immune system.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A progressive lung disease characterized by increasing breathlessness.