Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis are Gram-negative diplococci. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhoeae and is transmitted via sexual contact. Neisseria meningitidis is transmitted via respiratory droplets leading to colonization of the nasopharynx and can cause meningitis and septicemia. Diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, are a significant health problem worldwide.

Analyses of the available genome sequences of Neisseria species and strains have considerably increased our knowledge of the pathogenesis of this genus.

Further reading: Neisseria: Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis

Labels: gonorrhoeae, Gram-negative diplococci, meningitis, Neisseria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, septicemia