30 Questions
What is the difference between Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
Presence of a capsule
How are Neisseria gonorrhoeae typically transmitted?
Through person-to-person contact
What type of molecule does Neisseria gonorrhoeae have instead of LPS?
Lipo-oligosaccharide
What is the result of phylogenetic analysis of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
They evolved from a common ancestor but colonized distinct ecological niches
What is unique about Neisseria gonorrhoeae's survival outside the human host?
It does not survive well outside the human host
What is the significance of N. lactamica?
It is a commensal strain
What is the main function of the neisserial Opa proteins?
Mediate binding to CD4+ T lymphocytes
What is the frequency of phase variation in Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
1/1000 generations
How many different opa genes can be present in a single chromosome of Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
Up to 11 different opa genes
What is the result of out-of-frame repeats in the Opa gene?
No protein is made
What is the mechanism of antigenic variation in Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
Homologous recombination
What is the purpose of the repeat sequence CTTCT?
Signal cleavage
What is the likely outcome if bacteria penetrate across the endothelium and spread through the bloodstream?
Disseminated gonococcal or meningococcal infections
What is the consequence of the genetic strategies employed by Neisseria?
Hyper-variability of surface antigens
What is the function of the Opa proteins in Neisseria?
Evasion of immune response
How many different antigenic variants of pili can a bacterium have?
1 million
What is the mechanism of Opa antigenic variation?
Slipped strand synthesis
What is the purpose of Neisseria's hyper-variability of surface antigens?
Evasion of immune response
What is the most common type of plague?
Bubonic Plague
Which type of plague is characterized by the infection of the lungs?
Pneumonic Plague
What is the primary method of diagnosing plague?
Symptom presentation
Which antibiotic is commonly used to treat plague?
Streptomycin
What is a common symptom of Bubonic plague?
Swollen and tender lymph glands
What is often administered to individuals who have been exposed to plague?
Antibiotics
What is the result of homologous recombination between pilE and pilS genes?
Multiple variations of pilin genes are produced
What is the function of the two distinct extracellular IgA1 proteases produced by N.gonorrhoeae?
Cleave human antibodies
Why are N.gonorrhoeae exclusively human pathogens?
Because they can bind to human transferrin and lactoferrin
What is the function of sialic acid in N.gonorrhoeae?
It sialylates the oligosaccharide component of LOS, making the organism serum-resistant
What is unique about the iron acquisition mechanism of N.gonorrhoeae?
They are highly efficient at utilizing transferrin-bound iron
What is the term for the ability of N.gonorrhoeae to change its antigenic properties?
Opa antigenic variation
This quiz covers Neisseria species, including N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis, and their characteristics. It also touches on phylogenetic analyses and colonization of ecological niches. Test your knowledge of these infection types!
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
