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Gram-negative Diplococcal Respiratory Infections

Nargis Naheed1, Maqsood Alam, Larry I. Lutwick

  • 1*Infectious Diseases, VA New York Harbor Health Care System, 800 Poly Place (IIIE), Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA. larry.lutwick@med.va.gov

Current Infectious Disease Reports
|May 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Gram-negative diplococci cause significant respiratory infections. This review covers Neisseria meningitidis and Moraxella catarrhalis, detailing their microbiology, symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Gram-negative diplococci, including Neisseria meningitidis and Moraxella catarrhalis, are significant causes of human respiratory tract infections.
  • These infections are often overlooked compared to Streptococcus pneumoniae, despite their clinical relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis and Moraxella catarrhalis.
  • To discuss the microbiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention of these specific diplococcal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on Neisseria meningitidis and Moraxella catarrhalis.
  • Analysis of microbiological characteristics, clinical presentations, and therapeutic options.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of the microbiology of Neisseria meningitidis and Moraxella catarrhalis.
  • Outline of respiratory tract manifestations associated with these pathogens.
  • Summary of current antimicrobial treatment strategies and immunization-based prevention.

Conclusions:

  • Neisseria meningitidis and Moraxella catarrhalis represent important, though less frequently discussed, causes of respiratory infections.
  • Understanding their characteristics is crucial for effective management and prevention, including the potential role of immunization.

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