Neisseria meningitidis

Definition
noun
A gram-negative encapsulated diplococci and non-motile aerobic bacterium involved in meningococcal disease in humans.
Supplement
Neisseria meningitidis has no or little peptidoglycan in the cell wall and since it is diplococci means that two of the spherically shaped bacteria push up against each other to make a slightly oblong appearance. It is oxidase positive which contains enzyme cytochrome C and has the capability to use oxygen for energy through electron transport chain. It thrives in the mucous membranes of humans as a parasite that cause significant mortality in children.
Neisseria meningitidis implicated in meningococcal disease that invades in the body which spread throughout the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions including kissing and spitting in which this bacterium is not contagious like germs that causes flu or common colds where it is not scattered by casual contact with a person with meningococcal disease.
Neisseria meningitidis symptoms of infections vary on the type of illness develops such as headache sudden fever and stiff neck as well as vomiting, nausea, confusion and sensitivity to light. While infant and children manifest different sign including irritability, inactivity, poor reflexes and vomiting.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Bacteria
Phylum: Proteobacteria
Class: Betaproteobacteria
Order: Neisseriales
Family: Neisseriaceae
Genus: Neisseria
Species: Neisseria meningitidis
See also:
• Bacteria
• Meningitis