How is Neisseria meningitidis acquired?

How is Neisseria meningitidis acquired?

N. meningitidis usually is transmitted through close contact with aerosols or secretions from the human nasopharynx. Although N. meningitidis is regularly isolated in clinical laboratories, it has infrequently been reported as a cause of laboratory-acquired infection.

How is Neisseria meningitidis cultured?

meningitidis are gram-negative, coffee-bean shaped diplococci that may occur intracellularly or extracellularly in PMN leukocytes. N. meningitidis is a fastidious organism, which grows best at 35-37°C with ~5% CO2 (or in a candle-jar). It can grow on both a blood agar plate (BAP) and a chocolate agar plate (CAP).

How many laboratory-acquired infections have been documented?

Approximately 313 cases of laboratory-acquired infection, with a variety of blood and intestinal protozoa, have been reported (table 3) [3, 45]. Most of these cases occurred in research and reference laboratories.

Who first discovered Neisseria meningitidis?

Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) was first discovered in 1887 by Weichselbaum from analyzing the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient infected with meningitis. It is a human-specific bacterium that causes a multitude of illnesses, collectively termed meningococcal disease.

Does Neisseria meningitidis have a capsule?

Pathogenic Neisseria meningitidis isolates contain a polysaccharide capsule that is the main virulence determinant for this bacterium.

How laboratory infections are acquired?

Inhalation (see aerosols) Percutaneous inoculation (needle and syringe, cuts or abrasions from contaminated items and animal bites) Contact between mucous membranes and contaminated material (hands or surfaces) Ingestion (aspiration through a pipette, smoking or eating)

How can laboratory acquired infections be prevented?

Using work practices that block routes of exposure can prevent workplace infection. Good microbiological techniques must always be used in the laboratory: Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or storing food for human consumption in laboratories is strictly prohibited.

Is Neisseria meningitidis an STD?

Neisseria meningitidis: An Emerging Sexually Transmitted Infection.

Is meningitis a virus or bacteria?

Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are serious and include meningitis and bloodstream infections (septicemia).