Neisseria

Abstract

Microaerobic growth by denitrification of nitrite via nitric oxide has also been shown for Neisseria meningitidis . The species N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis are exclusively human pathogens. Identification of the serogroup of invasive N. meningitidis isolates is of interest with respect to vaccination of close contacts of the index case. A further level of differentiation to analyze local epidemiology is achieved by DNA sequence‐based typing schemes of hypervariable outer membrane proteins, which have been harmonized throughout Europe. Cultivation of N. gonorrhoeae is best performed on chocolate agar, which supports the growth of many other commensal bacteria. DNA‐based methods used for typing of N. gonorrhoeae include gel‐based methods such as opa typing and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. Serologic tests are used for the determination of protection against invasive meningococcal disease after vaccination or for seroepidemiological studies. First‐catch urine is recommended for the molecular detection of genitourinary N. gonorrhoeae infections in men.