How Do You Spell NEISSERIA SUBFLAVA?

1. Neisseria subflava is a type of bacteria belonging to the Neisseria genus, commonly found in the human respiratory tract and other mucosal surfaces. It is a Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming coccus with a distinctive yellow to orange pigmentation, hence the name "subflava" referring to its sub-yellow color.

   As an aerobic bacterium, N. subflava requires oxygen to survive and grow. It is classified as a facultative intracellular pathogen, meaning it can live both inside and outside host cells. While considered a commensal microorganism in the healthy human microbiota, it can cause opportunistic infections under certain circumstances, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those with pre-existing conditions.

   The bacteria is highly adaptable, possessing various virulence factors and mechanisms to evade the host immune system. These include adhesins that allow attachment to host cells and capsules that help in evading phagocytosis by immune cells. Additionally, they can produce enzymes like proteases and lipases that aid in tissue invasion and nutrient acquisition.

   The clinical manifestations of Neisseria subflava infections can vary depending on the site of infection. It has been associated with infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and septicemia. Accurate identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of N. subflava are essential in determining appropriate treatment options, as certain strains may exhibit resistance to commonly used antibiotics.

2. A pyogenic species found in the healthy urethra and vagina.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for NEISSERIA SUBFLAVA

The word "Neisseria" is derived from the surname of Albert Neisser, a German physician who first described the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is the causative agent of gonorrhea. The genus Neisseria was named in his honor.

The term "subflava" is a Latin word that means "somewhat yellow". In the case of Neisseria subflava, it refers to the yellowish color of the bacteria when cultured on agar plates.

Therefore, the etymology of the term "Neisseria subflava" combines the name of the bacteriologist Neisser with the description of the bacteria's characteristic yellowish color.