5 Questions
What are the important properties of Neisseria meningitidis (Meningococcus)?
Gram negative diplococci, capsulated, non motile
How does the spread of meningococci occur?
Spread of meningococci occurs by person-to-person: transmission from infected person or from asymptomatic nasopharyngeal carriers by aerosols inhalation
What are the virulence factors of meningococci bacteria?
1- Capsule (antiphagocytic), 2- Endotoxin (induces fever and increases vascular permeability), 3- IgA protease (cleaves IgA and evades immunoglobulins of this subclass)
What clinical findings or manifestations are associated with meningococci bacteria entering the respiratory tract and mucous membranes?
Asymptomatic Meningococcal pharyngitis in young children and other susceptible individuals (they become carriers)
What diseases can be caused by the spread of meningococci bacteria through the bloodstream?
Meningitis and/or septicemia
Study Notes
Properties of Neisseria meningitidis (Meningococcus)
- Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative, non-motile, oxidase-positive, aerobic diplococcus.
Spread of Meningococci
- Meningococci are typically spread through respiratory secretions, such as by breathing in airborne droplets or by direct contact with an infected person's secretions.
- Close and prolonged contact is required for transmission, making household members and individuals in crowded living conditions more susceptible.
Virulence Factors of Meningococci
- Capsule: Meningococci have a polysaccharide capsule that allows them to evade host immune responses and facilitate invasion.
- Lipooligosaccharides: These molecules can induce inflammation and contribute to meningococcal pathogenesis.
- Outer membrane proteins: These proteins, such as Opa and Opc, are involved in adhesion, invasion, and evasion of host immune responses.
Clinical Findings of Meningococcal Infection
- Upon entering the respiratory tract and mucous membranes, meningococci can cause:
- Pharyngitis
- Tonsillitis
- Rhinitis
- Conjunctivitis
Diseases Caused by Meningococci
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Meningococcemia
- Septicemia
- Focal infections, such as pneumonia, arthritis, and endocarditis
Test your knowledge about Neisseria meningitidis, its properties, mode of spread, and pathogenesis.
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