8. Microbiology
        8.3. Gram-negative cocci
            8.3.1. Neisseriae
8.3.1.2. Neisseria meningitis

Neisseria Meningitidis

Characteristics/Epidemiology

Nasopharyngeal mucosa - asymptomatic carrier or causing disease

Human is the only natural host.

Incidence highest in <1 y.o. infants.

Pathogenesis/Transmission

Transmission - respiratory droplets

Risk factors

 

1. Pili

Allows attachment

2. Polysaccharide capsule

3. Lipooligosaccharide

4. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs)

OMP and LOS determines the serotypes (not serogroups).

5. IgA protease

 

Clinical significance

1. Meningitis

2. Septicaemia

Laboratory identification

Microscopy
Culture
Others

Treatment

First line: Penicillin G/ampicillin (both can pass blood-brain barrier)
Second line: cefotaxime or ceftriaxone if penicillin resistance a concern.

Prevention/immunity

Vaccination

Capsular vaccine for serogroup A, C, W, Y -> very effective.

Capsular B (most common endemic cause) -> does not elicit effective immune response -> no vaccine

Prophylaxis

Rifampicin to treat family members -> eliminate carrier state.

 


Things to revise/add later:

Bibliography: LWW microbiology


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