NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS Meaning and
Definition
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Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative bacterium that belongs to the family Neisseriaceae. This bacterium is commonly known as meningococcus and is responsible for causing meningococcal meningitis, a severe and potentially life-threatening infection of the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Neisseria meningitidis is traditionally classified into several serogroups based on the presence of specific antigens on its outer membrane. The most common serogroups associated with meningococcal outbreaks are A, B, C, W, X, and Y. This bacterium is transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with the infected person's respiratory secretions. Close living conditions, such as dormitories or military barracks, increase the risk of meningococcal disease transmission.
The symptoms of Neisseria meningitidis infection typically include sudden-onset fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and a characteristic rash of tiny red or purple spots that do not fade when pressed. If left untreated, meningococcal meningitis can lead to complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, or even death.
Prevention of Neisseria meningitidis infection mainly relies on vaccination. Several vaccines targeting different serogroups have been developed to protect individuals against this bacterium. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial to increase the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Neisseria meningitidis infection requires immediate medical attention to prevent its potential spread among close contacts and to minimize its devastating effects.
Common Misspellings for NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS
- beisseria meningitidis
- meisseria meningitidis
- jeisseria meningitidis
- heisseria meningitidis
- nwisseria meningitidis
- nsisseria meningitidis
- ndisseria meningitidis
- nrisseria meningitidis
- n4isseria meningitidis
- n3isseria meningitidis
- neusseria meningitidis
- nejsseria meningitidis
- neksseria meningitidis
- neosseria meningitidis
- ne9sseria meningitidis
- ne8sseria meningitidis
- neiaseria meningitidis
- neizseria meningitidis
- neixseria meningitidis
- neidseria meningitidis
Etymology of NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS
The word "Neisseria" is named after the German physician, Albert Neisser, who first discovered this genus of bacteria in 1879. He is well-known for his work in the field of dermatology and for his contribution to various studies on infectious diseases.
The term "meningitidis" refers to the meningococcus, which is the specific species of bacteria responsible for causing meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Hence, the name "Neisseria meningitidis" indicates that this genus of bacteria, discovered by Neisser, is associated with the infection of the meninges.
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