Neisseriaceae

Neisseriaceae is a family of Gram-negative bacteria that includes several notable genera, such as Neisseria, Kingella, and Eikenella. These bacteria are typically found in the mucous membranes of mammals, including humans.

Taxonomy

The family Neisseriaceae is part of the order Neisseriales, within the class Betaproteobacteria. It includes several genera, the most well-known of which is Neisseria. This genus includes two important human pathogens, Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Characteristics

Members of the Neisseriaceae family are typically Gram-negative, non-motile, and aerobic bacteria. They are usually cocci in shape, although some species may be rod-shaped. Many species are commensal, living harmlessly in the mucous membranes of their hosts. However, some can cause disease when they invade other parts of the body.

Pathogenic species

The most well-known pathogenic species in the Neisseriaceae family are N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae. N. meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis, while N. gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhea. Other pathogenic species include Kingella kingae, which can cause infections in children, and Eikenella corrodens, which is associated with human bite wounds.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment for infections caused by Neisseriaceae bacteria typically involves antibiotics. However, antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, particularly for N. gonorrhoeae. Prevention strategies include vaccination (for N. meningitidis) and safe sex practices (for N. gonorrhoeae).

See also

• Gram-negative bacteria
• Neisseria
• Neisseria meningitidis
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Kingella
• Eikenella