Knowra Neisseria Neisseria Neisseria is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria, usually appearing as pairs of cocci. Its species include the causes of gonorrhea and meningococcal disease.
Gram-negative bacteria : Bacteria whose cell envelopes have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that retains little crystal violet stain. Neisseria belongs to this broad bacterial group, whose outer membrane shapes its biology.
Type IV pilus : A protein filament that enables bacterial attachment, twitching motility, and DNA uptake. Neisseria uses retractile pili to attach to host cells and move across surfaces.
Gonorrhea : A sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, affecting genital, rectal, or pharyngeal tissues. It is the disease most directly associated with N. gonorrhoeae.
Neisseria lactamica : A Neisseria species that commonly colonizes the human throat and is generally not pathogenic. Its usual harmless carriage contrasts with disease caused by N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae.
Proteobacteria : A large phylum of Gram-negative bacteria, now commonly called Pseudomonadota, with diverse metabolisms and habitats. Neisseria is classified within this broad lineage of Gram-negative bacteria.
Antigenic variation : A pathogen's alteration of exposed molecules to evade recognition by the host immune system. Changing surface structures helps Neisseria persist despite antibody responses.
Meningococcal disease : A severe infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, including meningitis and bloodstream infection. It is the principal invasive disease associated with N. meningitidis.
Neisseria sicca : A Neisseria species commonly found in the human upper respiratory tract and only rarely associated with infection. It illustrates the largely commensal character of many human-associated Neisseria.
Neisseriaceae : A family of bacteria that includes the genus Neisseria and several related genera. This family places Neisseria among its closest taxonomic relatives.
Natural competence : The ability of a cell to take up environmental DNA and incorporate or maintain it. Many Neisseria acquire DNA from their surroundings, promoting genetic diversity.
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