Neisseria cocci

Neisseria <span class="lexicon-modal"><a href="https://www.frequenz-therapie.com/en/lexikon/cocci-focus-on-the-spherical-bacteria/" title="Cocci" data-ajax-modal="modal" data-original-title="Cocci are spherical bacteria that occur individually, in pairs, chains or clusters. They can be gram-positive or gram-negative and play an important role in medicine and microbiology - from harmless skin inhabitants to pathogenic pathogens." data-url="https://www.frequenz-therapie.com/en/cbax/lexicon/modalInfo/019599feb3a974599c21b7ec9948c980">cocci</a></span>: Tiny <span class="lexicon-modal"><a href="https://www.frequenz-therapie.com/en/lexikon/bacteria-and-frequency-therapy/" title="Bacteria" data-ajax-modal="modal" data-original-title=" Bacteria are microscopically small, single-celled organisms that belong to the prokaryotes. They do not have a real cell nucleus and their DNA is freely present in the cytoplasm. " data-url="https://www.frequenz-therapie.com/en/cbax/lexicon/modalInfo/d3d40cfb051f4514bd117ce9b4c80eb9">bacteria</a></span> with great significance

Neisseria cocci: Tiny bacteria with great significance

Properties of Neisseria cocci

The genus Neisseria comprises gram-negative diplococci that are oxidase-positive and have a coffee bean shape . They are sensitive to environmental influences and require special culture media for growth

Significant representatives and the diseases they cause

Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)

Disease: Causes meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia.
Transmission: Occurs via droplet infection in close communities.
Symptoms: Fever, neck stiffness, headache and petechial rash.
Prevention: Vaccinations are essential

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus)

Disease: Causes gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted disease.
Transmission: Mainly through unprotected sexual intercourse.
Symptoms: Urethritis, discharge and pain when urinating in men, often asymptomatic in women.
Complications: Can cause infertility or systemic infections if left untreated

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by cultural examinations on chocolate agar, microscopic analyses and molecular tests such as PCR

Treatment

Neisseria meningitidis: Treatment with third-generation cephalosporins (e.g. ceftriaxone).
Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Combination therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin to prevent resistance.

Prevention

Vaccinations: Effective vaccines are available, particularly against meningococci.
Safer sex practices: Regular testing and avoidance of unprotected sexual intercourse reduce the risk.