On neisseria meningitidis - Case Study Example

It is a human specific pathogen and is gram negative and aerobic in nature. The bacterium is enveloped with a carbohydrate capsule that is covered with polysaccharides attached to its surface. The chromosome of neisseria meningitides has a chromosome 2.0 and 2.2 mega base and contains about 2000 genes. According to CDC (2012)“Neisseria species, such as N. lactamica. The organism has both an inner (cytoplasmic) and outer membrane, separated by a cell wall’ the outer membrane contains several protein structures that enable the bacteria to interact with the host cells as well as perform other functions.

When the meningitis progresses it invades the subarachnoid space of the brain and thus cause inflammation of the meninges. But before this enters this space, they multiply significantly within the blood stream. According Klee (2000,pg .2083-95)“Neisseria meningitidis colonizes the nasopharynx, from which it can seed the bloodstream before crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to cause meningitis”. The meningitis is diagnosed with the help of conventional and real time PCR assay which can detect bacterial meningitis pathogens.

The PCR technology is used typically to detect the causative agent in a suspected case of bacterial meningitis. The assays concurrently works on the DNA extracted from the clinical specimen or isolate. As per Bennett (2008,pg.1764-65) “PCR-based assays for the rapid individual detection and identification of meningococcal serogroups 29E, X, and Z. The ctrA gene, exclusive to meningococci and forming part of the capsule biosynthesis locus, was chosen as the PCR target”. According to NHS(2013) “The Hibergene Meningococcal LAMP assay by HiberGene Diagnostics Ltd.

is a molecular test for rapid diagnosis of meningitis or septicaemia caused by Neisseria meningitides (meningococcal). It can be used on samples of blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid”. The HiberGene Meningococcal LAMP assay uses loop-mediated