Does Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A have a capsule?

Pathogenic Neisseria meningitidis isolates contain a polysaccharide capsule that is the main virulence determinant for this bacterium.

What is serogroup A meningococcal?

Related Pages. Meningococcal disease is a rare, but very serious illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. Even if treated quickly, meningococcal disease can cause long-term problems or be deadly.

What is Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B?

Neisseria meningitidis is an obligate human pathogen and is the most prevalent serogroup causing meningococcal disease in the Western countries. In the majority of cases it only colonizes the host for a period of time but it can also invade and cause systemic diseases like sepsis and meningitis.

Which are the most common invasive serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis?

The worldwide distribution of serogroups of N. meningitidis is variable. In the Americas, Europe, and Australia, serogroups B and C are the most common, while serogroup A causes the majority of disease in Africa and Asia (7).

Is there a vaccine for Neisseria meningitidis?

Vaccines can help prevent meningococcal disease, which is any type of illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. There are 2 types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States: Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines (Menactra® and Menveo®)

Does Neisseria meningitidis cause meningitis?

Neisseria meningitidis (Nm, the meningococcus) is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis throughout the world. Besides meningitis, meningococci can cause sepsis, pneumonia and, occasionally, focal infections such as arthritis, myocarditis, pericarditis, endophthalmitis, epiglottitis, otitis and urethritis.

Is MCV4 the same as meningitis B vaccine?

Meningitis vaccines come in different forms for certain bacterial groups. Teens and young adults may receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), covering the four most common bacterial serotypes — A, C W, and Y — or the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (MenB).

Is there a vaccine for N. meningitidis?

How contagious is Neisseria meningitidis?

People spread meningococcal bacteria to other people by sharing respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit). Generally, it takes close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact to spread these bacteria. Fortunately, they are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or the flu.

What gender is most affected by meningitis?

Meningococcal meningitis primarily affects infants, children, and young adults. Males are affected slightly more than females, and account for 55% of all cases, with an incidence of 1.2 cases per 100,000 population, compared to 1 case per 100,000 population among females.