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Beyond the usual suspects: Reviewing infections caused by typically-commensal Neisseria species
Lloyd Walsh1, Stephen A Clark1, Jeremy P Derrick2
1Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom.
Objective:
Few data outside of individual case reports are available on non-meningococcal, non-gonococcal species of Neisseria as causative agents of invasive disease. This review collates disease, organism and patient information from case reports on the topic.
Methods:
A literature search was performed examining articles describing diseases caused by non-meningococcal and non-gonococcal Neisseria.
Findings:
Neisseria present as opportunistic pathogens causing a wide variety of diseases including serious presentations, endocarditis being the most common condition described and N. mucosa the most commonly presenting pathogen overall. Disease may occur in otherwise healthy patients, although risk factors for infection include recent surgery, an immunocompromised state, poor oral health, and intravenous drug use.
Conclusions:
Commensal Neisseria infections are rare but can present serious invasive diseases. Further research is required to determine why some species cause disease more than others or why some are inclined towards particular manifestations.
Insights
Non-meningococcal, non-gonococcal Neisseria species are rare opportunistic pathogens causing invasive diseases like endocarditis. Risk factors include immunocompromise and intravenous drug use.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Non-meningococcal and non-gonococcal Neisseria species are typically commensal organisms.
- Invasive disease caused by these Neisseria species is infrequently reported, with limited data beyond individual case reports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To collate and review available information on invasive diseases caused by non-meningococcal, non-gonococcal Neisseria species.
- To summarize disease characteristics, causative organisms, and patient risk factors from existing case reports.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
- Articles describing diseases caused by non-meningococcal and non-gonococcal Neisseria were systematically examined.
Main Results:
- Neisseria species act as opportunistic pathogens, leading to diverse and serious conditions.
- Endocarditis was the most frequently reported severe presentation.
- Neisseria mucosa was the most common species identified as the causative agent overall.
- Infections can occur in healthy individuals, but risk factors include recent surgery, immunocompromised status, poor oral hygiene, and intravenous drug use.
Conclusions:
- Commensal Neisseria can cause rare but severe invasive infections.
- Further research is needed to understand species-specific pathogenicity and disease predilections.
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