Abstract. The Gram-negative bacteria genus Neisseria includes both pathogenic and commensal species that are found primarily in the upper respiratory tract of humans and animals.

Where is Neisseria normally found?

Neisseria is a large genus of bacteria that colonize the mucosal surfaces of many animals. Of the 11 species that colonize humans, only two are pathogens, N.

Where is Neisseria gonorrhoeae found in the body?

The most common site of N. gonorrhoeae infection is the urogenital tract. In women it can infect the endocervix and, if an ascending infection develops, it can cause PID. Men may develop urethritis and, occasionally, epididymitis.

Is Neisseria intracellular?

Neisseria species are fastidious, Gram-negative cocci that require nutrient supplementation to grow in laboratory cultures. Neisseria spp. are facultatively intracellular and typically appear in pairs (diplococci), resembling the shape of coffee beans.

Is Neisseria part of normal flora?

Most Neisseria and related species are normal flora in humans and animals (Table 2); their host range is shown in Table 2.

What causes Neisseria?

Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. People with meningococcal disease spread the bacteria to others through close personal contact such as living together or kissing. A person with meningococcal disease needs immediate medical attention.

What types of diseases can Neisseria species cause?

meningitidis are the only two species of the genus recognized as strict human pathogens, causing the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea and meningitis and sepsis, respectively.

How does Neisseria gonorrhoeae enter the body through?

N. gonorrhoeae is an exclusive human pathogen that primarily infects the urogenital epithelia. Although the urethra and the uterine cervix serve as the initial sites for gonococcal infection in men and women, respectively, infections of the conjunctiva, pharynx, and rectal mucosa are also reported.

What other areas of the body would you expect N. gonorrhoeae to infect?

Gonorrhea most often affects the urethra, rectum or throat. In females, gonorrhea can also infect the cervix. Gonorrhea is most commonly spread during vaginal, oral or anal sex. But babies of infected mothers can be infected during childbirth.

In which cell N. gonorrhoeae can be found?

Neisseria is classified in the family Neisseriaceae within the phylum Proteobacteria (β subgroup) of the Eubacteria (Janda and Gaydos, 2007). N. gonorrhoeae typically appears as an aerobic gram-negative diplococcus that lacks a polysaccharide capsule (Fig. 49.1).

Is Neisseria meningitidis intracellular or extracellular?

Neisseria meningitidis (the meningococcus) is a Gram-negative, extracellular bacterium that asymptomatically colonizes the mucosal surface of the oropharynx of ~10% of the human population¹ and is transmitted between individuals through inhalation of respiratory secretions and saliva during close contact with a carrier

Is Neisseria gonorrhoeae intracellular?

Background. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhoea, is a Gram negative, coffee-bean shaped facultative intracellular diplococcus bacterium, the classical sexually transmitted bacteria.

Does Neisseria gonorrhoeae have a cell wall?

The peptidoglycan cell wall that encloses the bacterial cell and provides structural support and protection is remodeled by multiple enzymes that synthesize and cleave the polymer during growth. This essential and dynamic structure has been targeted by multiple antibiotics to treat gonococcal infections.

What are the two types of normal flora?

Vast majority of normal flora are bacteria. Cutaneous surfaces Staphyloccocus including urethra and epidermidis outer ear Staphyloccocus aureus, Corynebacteria (diphteroids) Streptococci, Anaerobes e.g. Peptostreptococci, Yeast (Candida sp.) Staphylococcus epidermidis, invariably found on skin and nasal membranes.

What are normal flora of the human body?

Normal flora are the microorganisms that live on another living organism (human or animal) or inanimate object without causing disease. The human body is not sterile; we become colonised by bacteria from the moment we are born.