Neisseria meningitidis
Neisseria meningitidis
Neisseria meningitidis (pronunciation: nigh-seer-ee-uh men-in-jit-idis), also known as meningococcus, is a bacterium that can cause serious infectious diseases in humans, including meningitis and meningococcal sepsis.
Etymology
The name Neisseria is derived from the German bacteriologist Albert Neisser, who first discovered this genus of bacteria. Meningitidis comes from the Greek words meninx, meaning "membrane", and -itis, denoting inflammation. Thus, Neisseria meningitidis refers to the Neisser bacteria that cause inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Description
Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative, aerobic, nonmotile diplococcus bacterium. It is usually found in the human respiratory tract and is transmitted through respiratory droplets or close contact with an infected individual.
Diseases
Neisseria meningitidis is one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis worldwide. It can also cause meningococcal sepsis, a severe bloodstream infection. Both diseases can be fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
Prevention and Treatment
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection with Neisseria meningitidis. Several vaccines are available that protect against the most common serogroups of the bacterium. Treatment typically involves high-dose antibiotics, often in combination with supportive care in a hospital setting.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neisseria meningitidis
- Wikipedia's article - Neisseria meningitidis
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