Neisseria mucosa
Neisseria mucosa
Neisseria mucosa (pronunciation: nigh-seer-ee-uh moo-coh-suh) is a species of Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the genus Neisseria. It is commonly found in the human respiratory tract and is generally considered non-pathogenic, meaning it does not typically cause disease.
Etymology
The name Neisseria is derived from the German bacteriologist Albert Ludwig Sigesmund Neisser, who first discovered the genus. The term mucosa, from the Latin mucosus, refers to the mucus membranes where this bacterium is commonly found.
Characteristics
Neisseria mucosa is a coccus-shaped bacterium that is often found in pairs (diplococci) or in short chains. It is oxidase-positive and catalase-positive, and can ferment glucose and maltose.
Clinical Significance
While Neisseria mucosa is typically non-pathogenic, it has been occasionally associated with human infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. However, it is far less commonly implicated in disease than other members of the Neisseria genus, such as Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Related Terms
- Neisseria: The genus to which Neisseria mucosa belongs.
- Gram-negative bacteria: A group of bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method of bacterial differentiation.
- Respiratory tract: The pathway that makes respiration possible, including the nose, mouth, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
- Immune system: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neisseria mucosa
- Wikipedia's article - Neisseria mucosa
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