The common virulence factors found in Neisseria are polysaccharide capsule, endotoxin, IgA1 protease, pili, and proteins.
Explanation:
Neisseria species are Gram negative diplococcic highly pathogenic bacteria which cause meningococcal and gonococcal diseases in humans.
<u>Virulence factors of Neisseria meningitidis</u><u>:
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Polysaccharide capsule: Antigenic anti-phagocytic capsular polysaccharides form a capsule and surround the bacterium. About 13 serotypes are present based on which the bacteria is classified.
Endotoxin: Composed of lipooligosaccharides leading to hemorrhage, sepsis, and petechiae on skin
IgA1 protease: Enzyme that breaks and cleaves the antibody IgA
Pili: Attaches bacterium to respiratory tract cells. Acts antigenic against the body’s immune system.
Diseases: Meningococcal - Meningitis, meningococcemia
Transmission: Respiratory tract
<u>Virulence factors of Neisseria gonorrhea
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Pili: Complex gene codes for hypervariable genomes and antigenic against antibodies
Protein porins of outer membrane: Two protein complexes – Por A and Por B – facilitates invasion of epithelial cells
Opaproteins – facilitates attachment and further invasion of epithelial cells.
Diseases : Gonococcal – epididymitis, prostitis etc in men and pelvic inflammatory disease in women
Transmission: Sexual transmission
