Knowra Neisseria meningitidis Neisseria meningitidis Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative bacterium that commonly colonizes the human nasopharynx and can cause meningitis or meningococcal bloodstream infection.
Meningococcal capsule : A polysaccharide layer surrounding many Neisseria meningitidis cells that helps them evade immune clearance. The capsule is a major determinant of resistance to complement-mediated killing and invasive disease.
Meningococcal meningitis : Meningeal infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, often presenting with fever, headache, and neck stiffness. This is the defining neurologic presentation associated with the bacterium.
Neisseria : A genus of Gram-negative bacteria that includes human commensals and disease-causing species. N. meningitidis is one species within this genus.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae : A Gram-negative Neisseria species that causes gonorrhea and can infect several mucosal sites. It is the other major pathogenic Neisseria species, but has a distinct disease profile.
Meningococcal lipooligosaccharide : A meningococcal outer-membrane molecule that can trigger strong inflammation when released or exposed. Its inflammatory activity contributes to vascular injury and shock in meningococcal sepsis.
Meningococcemia : Bloodstream infection by Neisseria meningitidis, which can rapidly cause sepsis, purpura, and shock. This invasive presentation can progress rapidly even without prominent meningitis.
Nasopharyngeal carriage : Presence of microorganisms in the nasopharynx without symptoms of disease. Asymptomatic carriage is the usual reservoir from which meningococcal transmission occurs.
Streptococcus pneumoniae : A Gram-positive encapsulated bacterium that commonly causes pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infection. It is another major cause of bacterial meningitis, with different cell structure and prevention strategies.
Antigenic variation : A microbial strategy that changes exposed antigens to evade or alter recognition by host immunity. Variation in meningococcal surface structures helps sustain carriage despite immune responses.
Meningococcal vaccination : Immunization using vaccines that protect against selected meningococcal serogroups or meningococcal antigens. Vaccination reduces the risk of invasive disease from covered meningococcal strains.
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