Neisseria and Moraxella Overview

These flashcards include key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the lecture on Neisseria and Moraxella species, focusing on their characteristics, pathogenicity, and clinical significance.

Neisseriaeceae

A family of bacteria that includes pathogenic species like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis.

Moraxellaeceae

A family of bacteria, with Moraxella catarrhalis being the most commonly isolated species from humans.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Also known as gonococcus or GC, it causes gonorrhea and is not part of the normal human microbiota.

Neisseria meningitidis

Also known as meningococcus, it can be a commensal organism in healthy individuals but can cause serious diseases like meningitis.

Gram negative diplococci

Bacteria that appear as pairs of cocci and are characterized by a specific Gram stain morphology, typical of Neisseria and Moraxella.

Epidemiology of GC

Gonorrhea is most common in individuals aged 15 to 24 and is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the US.

Virulence Mechanisms of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Includes pili for attachment and immune evasion, facultative intracellular parasitism, and production of lipo oligosaccharide as an endotoxin.

Ocular infection (Ophthalmia neonatorum)

Conjunctivitis in newborns caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae transmitted during vaginal delivery.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

A complication of gonorrhea that can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancies in women.

Treatment for Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Currently treated with ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin; dual therapy may include doxycycline when chlamydia has not been excluded.

Moraxella catarrhalis

A commensal organism of the upper respiratory tract that can cause opportunistic infections such as otitis media and sinusitis.

Butyrate esterase test

A diagnostic test specific for Moraxella catarrhalis that confirms its identity.

Culture media for Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Modified Thayer Martin agar (MTM) is commonly used for selective isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Capsule of Neisseria meningitidis

Polysaccharide capsule that provides antiphagocytic properties and masks adhesion molecules from the immune system.

Lipo oligosaccharide (LOS)

An endotoxin produced by Neisseria species that can cause strong inflammatory responses and septic shock.

Transmission of Neisseria meningitidis

Occurs via respiratory droplets among individuals in crowded conditions such as dormitories and military barracks.