6 Questions
Which of the following bacteria is a major cause of meningitis and septicemia?
N.meningitidis
What is a common mechanism of antibiotic resistance in Neisseria and Moraxella?
Both A and B
How do Neisseria and Moraxella adhere to host cells?
Via pili and outer membrane proteins
What is a key mechanism by which Neisseria evades the host immune response?
Both A and B
What is the primary route of colonization for N.meningitidis?
Nasopharynx
What is a characteristic of the type IV pili-mediated invasion of host cells by Neisseria?
Invasion of host cells through type IV pili
Study Notes
Classification
- Neisseria and Moraxella are both Gram-negative, aerobic bacteria
- Belong to the family Neisseriaceae
- Neisseria genus includes:
- N. meningitidis (causes meningitis and septicemia)
- N. gonorrhoeae (causes gonorrhea)
- Moraxella genus includes:
- M. catarrhalis (causes respiratory tract infections)
Antibiotic Resistance
- Neisseria:
- Increasing resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, and sulfonamides
- Resistance mediated by beta-lactamase production and alteration of penicillin-binding proteins
- Moraxella:
- High levels of resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
- Resistance due to beta-lactamase production and alterations in penicillin-binding proteins
Host-Pathogen Interaction
- Neisseria:
- Adhesion to host cells via pili and outer membrane proteins
- Invasion of host cells through type IV pili and type III secretion system
- Evasion of host immune response through antigenic variation and immune suppression
- Moraxella:
- Adhesion to host cells via pili and outer membrane proteins
- Induction of pro-inflammatory response and oxidative stress in host cells
Pathogenesis
- Neisseria:
- N. meningitidis: causes meningitis and septicemia through colonization of nasopharynx, invasion of bloodstream, and dissemination to meninges
- N. gonorrhoeae: causes gonorrhea through colonization of urogenital tract, induction of inflammation, and damage to epithelial cells
- Moraxella:
- M. catarrhalis: causes respiratory tract infections, including otitis media, sinusitis, and bronchitis, through colonization of respiratory tract and induction of inflammation
Diagnostic Techniques
- Neisseria:
- Culture on selective media (e.g. Thayer-Martin agar)
- PCR and DNA-DNA hybridization for species identification
- Serotyping for meningococcal disease
- Moraxella:
- Culture on non-selective media (e.g. blood agar)
- Biochemical tests (e.g. catalase, oxidase) for species identification
- PCR and DNA-DNA hybridization for species identification
This quiz covers the characteristics, antibiotic resistance, host-pathogen interactions, pathogenesis, and diagnostic techniques of Neisseria and Moraxella bacteria, including their roles in causing meningitis, septicemia, gonorrhea, and respiratory tract infections.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
