Neisseria diseases

Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Gonorrhea is an ancient disease recorded even in early Greek time. In fact, gonorrhea came from a Greek term that meant “spilled seed” because they believed that the pus dripping out of the penis was the seed necessary for fertilizing a woman.

Facts about Gonorrhea:
1. It is the second most common STD in the US after Chlamydia.
2. 400,000 cases are reported every year, with an estimated of 800,000 cases endemic in the population.
3. Infection can occur in the mouth, anus, penis, cervix, and the eye (particularly in newborn infants).
4. 95% of men exhibit symptoms, such as purulent discharge, painful urination, while 70% of women exhibit symptoms, also including purulent discharge. Left untreated in women, gonorrhea can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and transmission to newborns.

Neisseria meningitidis: Meningitis is a disease that is known to affect people in close quarter, such as dormitory where college students interact with each other.

Facts about meningitis:
1. 3,000 cases are reported each year in the US.
2. Nasopharyngeal area can be infected without symptoms.
3. In most cases, people will develop immunity.
4. Infection can spread to the bloodstream, an event that is called meninges.

Both gonorrhea and meningitis are treatable with antibiotic.

Molecular determinants of pathogenesis:
1. lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS)
2. Sialic acid capsule (in N. meningitidis)
3. IgA protease
4. Iron acquisition proteins
5. Type IV pili

Protein components:
i. PilE = pilin is a major structural subunit
ii. PilC
iii. PilT

6. Opacity proteins–explains why no acquired immunity is available for Neisseria gonorrhoeae.