Neisseria meningitidis
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Introduction
The Case of...
Epidemiology
Worldwide, 1/3 of the world's population is infected with TB, and over 16 million existing cases of disease and 8 million new cases occur each year. It is an important complication in patients with AIDS.
Countries with the highest TB prevalence are found in Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Eastern Europe, although resurgence is occurring in many developed countries.
Risk factors for TB exposure include:
- being born in a high-risk country (Cain et al, 2008)
- travelling to countries with high prevalence:
- Native American populations in North American cities
- homeless, poor, malnourished, elderly
- prisoners
- intravenous drug use
Risk factors for active TB include:
- immunosuppressed or transplant patients
- other active lung disease, ie mixed dust pneumonoconeosis
- recent TB seroconversion
Classification and Characteristics
M. tuberculosis is a slightly curved or straight bacilli. It is aerobic, non-motile, and slow-growing (doubling time 18h).
The bacterium is known as acid-fast due to high concentration of mycolic acids (lipid) in cell wall that withstands decolorization
Most strains grow on relatively simple media; some are fastidiuous and some cannot be cultured.
Transmission and Infection
Clinical Manifesations
Diagnosis
Treatment
The conjugate meningococcal vaccine provides protection against Neisseria meningitidis serotype C. It is given during infancy, often at age 12 months.
Resources and References
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