Neisseria gonorrhoeae Overview

Organisms that reside on or within human tissues and biofluids, including the skin, mammary glands, placenta, seminal fluid, uterus, ovarian follicles, lung, saliva, oral mucosa, conjunctiva, biliary and gastrointestinal tracts.

Lactobacilli

Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, or Prevotella

Gram-negative cocci arranged in pairs, resembling a kidney shape.

They are aerobes, needing oxygen to survive, and require enriched media containing heated blood (chocolate agar) or a selective media like MTM (Modified Thayer-Martin medium) to grow.

All species are oxidase positive, meaning they possess the enzyme cytochrome C

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and other complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), disseminated gonococcal infection, and ophthalmia neonatorum.

The bacteria adhere to the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, or rectum. They then invade the epithelial cells and multiply.

They are highly contagious and spread through sexual contact. Transmission can also occur during childbirth from an infected mother to her baby.

Gonorrhea is diagnosed through laboratory tests, such as a Gram stain or a culture. Molecular tests (PCR) can also be used to detect the DNA of the bacteria.

A sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae which can affect the cervix, urethra, rectum, conjunctiva, and throat.

Inflammation of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus.

Inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes, the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

An infection of the reproductive organs in women, typically involving the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. It can be caused by various bacteria, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

A pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.

A condition where the body is unable to conceive naturally.

The ability of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to change its surface proteins, making it less recognizable by the immune system.

An enzyme produced by Neisseria gonorrhoeae that breaks down IgA1 antibodies, reducing the immune system's ability to fight the infection.

A type of agar used for culturing Neisseria gonorrhoeae, containing factors that support its growth. It's also called modified Thayer-Martin agar.

A laboratory test used to identify Neisseria species. It involves smearing a bacterial colony on filter paper impregnated with an oxidase reagent. A deep purple color indicates a positive result, suggesting the presence of oxidase-positive bacteria like Neisseria.

A metabolic test to determine if a bacterial species can utilize a specific sugar for energy production. It involves inoculating a culture with different sugars (glucose, maltose, sucrose) and observing acid production.

A genus of bacteria that includes the causative agents of gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) and meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis). These bacteria are typically gram-negative diplococci.

Hair-like appendages on the surface of Neisseria gonorrhoeae that mediate its attachment to mucosal cells. They also exhibit anti-phagocytic properties, making it harder for the immune system to engulf the bacteria.

A component of the outer membrane of Neisseria gonorrhoeae that is responsible for its endotoxic effects, triggering inflammation and other harmful responses in the host.

Proteins found on the outer membrane of Neisseria gonorrhoeae that play a role in attachment to host cells. They can also contribute to immune evasion.

A specific porin protein found in some strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It inactivates a crucial immune component (C3b) and allows the bacteria to resist antibody-mediated killing, potentially leading to widespread infections.