from Paola Mastrantonio (Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy)
writing in Society for Microbial Ecology and Disease read more ..."This book represents a comprehensive update on the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis both in
Neisseria meningitidis and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The understanding of the gene expression strategies of pathogenic
Neisseria is still limited but the recently published genome sequences of both the above mentioned species will provide invaluable insights into the basis of pathogenesis as well as on the study of new therapeutic interventions and preventive tools. Mechanisms of adhesion, cellular invasion, interference with the apoptotic cellular machinery and of antibiotic resistance are illustrated such as the role of the innate and acquired immunity in
Neisseria infections. A comprehensive chapter is dedicated to the epidemiology of the diseases caused by the two species. Further, the most recent approaches for a future prevention these diseases by a universal neisserial vaccine are commented."
Further reading:Labels: book review, Book Reviews, Neisseria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis
A number of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, have evolved mechanisms to subvert apoptosis by either positively or negatively modulating host defenses. In particular, the inhibition of the apoptotic process by microbial pathogens has previously demonstrated importance in securing intracellular niches, which may be an important mechanism for microbial survival, replication or immune evasion.
Similarly, the induction of apoptosis may be beneficial to pathogens by promoting escape from host cells or diminishing their effector functions, again promoting immune evasion.
Conflicting studies have reported that infection with the facultative intracellular pathogens
Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis can either inhibit or induce apoptosis. Reports on
Neisserial influence on the apoptotic response of host cells have been published consistently for almost ten years and will be the focus of this chapter.
Overall, it seems that
Neisseria species more often inhibit apoptosis, and this inhibition may allow time for adaptation to a new environment, intracellular replication, or immune evasion presumably leading to the spread of infection
read more ...from Sarah A. Follows and Paola Massari
in Neisseria: Molecular Mechanisms of PathogenesisLabels: Apoptosis, Neisseria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae and
Neisseria meningitidis have evolved intricate mechanisms to evade killing by the complement system. Binding of complement inhibitors, LOS sialylation and expression of capsular polysaccharide in the case of
N. meningitidis all play key roles in enabling these bacteria to evade complement.
The multiplicity of complement evasion strategies reflects the importance of overcoming this immune barrier. Neisserial resistance to complement mediated killing appears to be restricted to humans and may provide an explanation for the host specificity of neisserial disease. Recent advances in our understanding of neisserial complement evasion strategies should aid in developing better animal models and vaccine design
read more ...from Lisa A. Lewis, E. Burrowes, Peter A Rice and Sanjay Ram
in Neisseria: Molecular Mechanisms of PathogenesisLabels: Complement, Neisseria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis
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 PathogenesisLabels: gonorrhoeae, Gram-negative diplococci, meningitis, Neisseria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, septicemia