Neisseria Meningitidis Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the polysaccharide capsule in Neisseria meningitidis?

  • Enhancing phagocytosis
  • Increasing the virulence of the bacterium (correct)
  • Preventing antigenicity
  • Inducing protective antibodies

What is the primary reason why serotype B is not included in the vaccines?

  • It is not a major cause of meningitis
  • It is not immunogenic in humans (correct)
  • It is already present in the body
  • It is not a serotype of Neisseria meningitidis

How many serologic groups are Neisseria meningitidis divided into based on the antigenicity of their capsular polysaccharides?

  • At least 10
  • At least 5
  • At least 13 (correct)
  • At least 20

What is the leading cause of epidemic meningitis worldwide?

<p>Serotype A (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following serotypes is responsible for most cases of disease in the United States?

<p>Serotype B (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Neisseriae Characteristics

  • Neisseriae are gram-negative cocci resembling paired kidney beans.

Neisseria Meningitidis (Meningococcus)

  • Has a prominent polysaccharide capsule that enhances virulence by antiphagocytic action.
  • The capsule is the immunogen in the vaccine, inducing protective antibodies.

Meningococcal Serologic Groups

  • Divided into at least 13 serologic groups based on the antigenicity of their capsular polysaccharides.

Common Serotypes Causing Meningitis and Meningococcemia

  • Five serotypes cause most cases: A, B, C, Y, and W-135.

Serotype Distribution

  • Serotype A is the leading cause of epidemic meningitis worldwide.
  • Serotype B accounts for most disease in the United States.
  • Serotype B polysaccharide is not immunogenic in humans, excluded from vaccines.

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