Isolation of Neisseria meningitidis in urogenital/rectal infections
Abstract:
In 9 cases (6 men, 3 women) during 1975 we have isolated N. meningitidis from routine samples from urogenital/rectal locations to be examined for gonococci by culture. One of the men harboured meningococci in the rectum, the other 5 in the urethra. Two of the women had meningococci in the cervix and one in the urethra. Of the meningococci isolated, one belonged to serogroup A, 6 to group B and 2 to group C. Six of the patients, 4 men and 2 women, who attended the Department of Venereal Diseases, are described in greater detail. Of these, only one had symptoms. The meningococci disappeared spontaneously in 5 cases, whilst a man with unsymptomatic infection still harboured meningococci in the rectum after one month. Two of the 4 men were homosexual.
Insights
Neisseria meningitidis was found in urogenital/rectal samples, often without symptoms. This bacterium, commonly known as meningococcus, can colonize these sites, highlighting potential asymptomatic carriage.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a primary cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis.
- The bacterium is typically associated with nasopharyngeal carriage.
- Urogenital and rectal carriage of N. meningitidis is less understood.
Related Concept Videos
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology


