Nonpathogenic Neisseria

Neisseria are gram-negative cocci-shaped bacteria. Of all species, only two are pathogenic to humans, N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae.

Oral neisseria

 * Gram-negative, non-sporulating aerobic bacteria;
 * very little pathogenicity, such as pathogens in exceptional cases;
 * common oral and pharyngeal flora;
 * importance in the oral ecosystem (N. sicca, N. subflava, N. lactamica);
 * pathogenicity outside the oral cavity;
 * infections of endogenous origin;
 * higher risk of pathogenicity in immunocompromised patients (endocarditis, meningitis).

Cultivation

 * It is very easy to cultivate, blood agar is sufficient.

Biochemistry

 * The most active of the whole family, by means of the difference in activity, they can be distinguished from other Neisseria.

Diagnostics

 * Cultivation, possible confusion with beta-hemolytic streptococci (for differentiation oxidase test is used), NeisseriaTest;
 * N. lactamica and N. cinerea - growth on soil for gonococci, beware of confusion!

Therapy

 * As with other Neisseria, some strains produce beta-lactamase.