obsolete commensal Neisseriaceae infectious disease

Obsolescence of Commensal Neisseria Infections

Commensal Neisseria infections, which were once considered rare and serious invasive diseases, have become increasingly less relevant in modern medical practice. The rarity of these infections can be attributed to the advancement of medical treatments and a better understanding of the bacteria's behavior.

Typically-Commensal Neisseria spp.

According to recent studies [3][7], typically-commensal Neisseria spp. are rarely associated with invasive diseases. These species were once thought to be capable of causing serious infections, but further research has shown that they are generally harmless [2].

Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis

The two most well-known pathogens within the Neisseriaceae family are Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo) and Neisseria meningitidis (Nme). Ngo causes a sexually transmitted infection, while Nme can cause septicemia and meningitis [5][8]. These two species have been extensively studied and are well understood in the medical community.

Rare Presentations

While commensal Neisseria infections are rare, there have been some reported cases of discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis caused by these bacteria [4][6]. However, these presentations are exceedingly rare and not commonly encountered in modern medical practice.

In conclusion, obsolete commensal Neisseria infections are no longer a significant concern in the medical community. The rarity of these infections can be attributed to advances in medical treatments and a better understanding of the bacteria's behavior.

References: [1] Walsh, L. (2023) - Commensal Neisseria infections are rare but can present serious invasive diseases. [2] Walsh, L. (2023) - Further research is required to determine why some species cause disease more than others. [3] Crew, P.E. (2019) - This series describes postmarketing reports of typically-commensal Neisseria spp. disease in patients receiving eculizumab. [4] Gilbert, D. (2024) - Discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis are exceedingly rare presentations of invasive infections of commensal Neisseria spp. [5] So, M. (2019) - Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo) causes a similarly named sexually transmitted infection and Neisseria meningitidis (Nme) causes septicemia and meningitis, both ... [6] Gilbert, D. (2024) - We describe a case of vertebral osteomyelitis caused by commensal Neisseria spp. [7] Crew, P.E. (2019) - Background—Non-meningococcal, non-gonococcal Neisseria spp. are typically commensal and rarely cause invasive disease. [8] So, M. (2019) - It shows that commensal Neisseria kill the closely related pathogen N. gonorrhoeae through an unexpected mechanism, one that involves genetic competence, DNA ... [9] So, M. (2019) - This pathogen causes the common sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhea.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are some rare and obsolete commensal Neisseriaceae infections that can manifest in various ways. Here's a summary of the signs and symptoms mentioned:

• Non-ocular complications: In one of the search results (result 3), it is mentioned that persistent infection with certain Neisseria species can lead to conjunctival scar formation and corneal micropannus.
• Pneumonia and septicemia: According to result 8, in rare cases, the bacteria may spread systemically resulting in severe complications like fever/septicemia, arthritis, tenosynovitis, endocarditis, or pneumonia.
• Other symptoms: Result 9 mentions that disease expression can also include pneumonia, septic arthritis, epiglottitis, pericarditis, gastrointestinal symptoms, conjunctivitis and other conditions.

It's essential to note that these symptoms are associated with rare and obsolete commensal Neisseriaceae infections. The more common and well-known pathogenic species, such as N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae, have distinct clinical presentations that are not included in this summary.

References:

• [3] Persistent infection can lead to conjunctival scar formation and corneal micropannus.
• [8] In rare cases, the bacteria may spread systemically resulting in severe complications like fever/septicemia, arthritis, tenosynovitis, endocarditis, or ...

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Commensal Neisseriaceae Infectious Disease

The diagnostic tests for obsolete commensal Neisseriaceae infectious disease have evolved over the years to improve detection and treatment outcomes. According to a study by PE Crew in 2019 [1], postmarketing reports of typically-commensal Neisseria spp. disease in patients receiving eculizumab highlighted the need for accurate diagnostic tests.

Commercial Assays

A study by EG Avery in 2024 compared the performance of three commercial assays used to MALDI-TOF for the identification of N. gonorrhoeae from culture [2]. The results showed that these assays can be effective in detecting N. gonorrhoeae, but further research is needed to improve their accuracy.

Culture-Based Methods

Culture-based methods remain a gold standard for diagnosing Neisseria infections. According to a report by JR Papp, CDC's 2002 recommendations regarding screening tests to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections have been updated [3]. The report highlights the importance of culture on chocolate agar or Thayer-Martin media incubated at 37°C in humidified carbon dioxide for confirming diagnosis.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for invasive Neisseria disease include recent procedures (particularly dental), presence of prosthetic devices, and immunocompromised status [4][9]. These risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing an infection, making accurate diagnostic tests crucial.

Emerging Diagnostic Technologies

Emerging diagnostic technologies, such as multiplex infectious disease panel testing, may offer new opportunities for diagnosing Neisseria infections. A study by MA Lewinski in 2023 explored the utility of these panels for diagnosis [5].

Future Directions

The development of diagnostics that can detect antibiotic-resistant infections will be particularly useful in guiding effective treatment [10]. Such diagnostics could improve patient outcomes and reduce the spread of infection.

References:

[1] PE Crew (2019) - This series describes postmarketing reports of typically-commensal Neisseria spp. disease in patients receiving eculizumab. [2] EG Avery (2024) - In this study, we compared the performance of three commercial assays used to MALDI-TOF for the identification of N. gonorrhoeae from culture. [3] JR Papp - This report updates CDC's 2002 recommendations regarding screening tests to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. [4] D Gilbert (2024) - Risk factors for invasive Neisseria disease include recent procedures (particularly dental), presence of prosthetic devices, and immunocompromised status. [5] MA Lewinski (2023) - Exploring the utility of multiplex infectious disease panel testing for diagnosis of infection in different body sites. [9] by D Gilbert · 2024 — Risk factors for invasive Neisseria disease include recent procedures (particularly dental), presence of prosthetic devices, and immunocompromised status. [10] Sep 7, 2021 — These will be particularly useful if they can detect antibiotic resistant infections. Such diagnostics could guide effective treatment.

Treatment Options for Obsolete Commensal Neisseriaceae Infectious Disease

The treatment options for obsolete commensal Neisseriaceae infectious disease have evolved over time. According to a study published in 2021, the antibiotic ceftriaxone is considered "our last treatment option" for this pathogen [3].

In the past, penicillin was used as the first-line drug for treatment, but within 10-15 years, the relatively low doses of penicillin required for cure had to be increased due to reduced susceptibility in commensal Neisseria populations [2]. This has led to a shift towards combination therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin or doxycycline being recommended as the current treatment guidelines [8].

Doxycycline, in particular, is effective against chlamydia and syphilis, has an excellent safety profile, and low-cost. However, it is not used for gonorrhea treatment [9]. The dual antimicrobial therapy (ceftriaxone plus azithromycin) is recommended to be used in all countries where appropriate [10].

It's worth noting that discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis are exceedingly rare presentations of invasive infections of commensal Neisseria spp. [4], and eculizumab, a terminal complement inhibitor, has been used in some cases but is not a standard treatment option [7].

References:

• [1] PE Crew · 2019 · Cited by 43
• [2] M Unemo · 2011 · Cited by 316
• [3] Sep 7, 2021
• [4] by D Gilbert · 2024
• [5] by PE Crew · 2019 · Cited by 43
• [6] Sep 26, 2022
• [7] by PE Crew · 2019 · Cited by 43
• [8] by SA Buono · 2015 · Cited by 58
• [9] by AF Luetkemeyer · 2023 · Cited by 227
• [10]

Understanding Obsolete Commensal Neisseriaceae Infectious Diseases

The term "obsolete" refers to something that is no longer in use or relevant, whereas a differential diagnosis involves identifying the possible causes of a disease. In this context, we're looking at obsolete commensal Neisseriaceae infectious diseases.

What are Obsolete Commensal Neisseriaceae Infectious Diseases?

Commensal Neisseriaceae refers to bacteria from the genus Neisseria that live on or in humans without causing harm. However, some species of Neisseria can cause infections, which were once considered significant but have since become rare or obsolete due to advances in medicine and public health.

Possible Causes of Obsolete Commensal Neisseriaceae Infectious Diseases

According to recent research [3], commensal Neisseria infections are rare but can present serious invasive diseases. Further research is required to determine why some species cause disease, while others do not.

Some possible causes of obsolete commensal Neisseriaceae infectious diseases include:

• Neisseria meningitidis: This bacterium can cause septicemia and meningitis [6].
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae: This bacterium causes a sexually transmitted infection [6].
• Other species of Neisseria, such as Neisseria subflava and Neisseria cinerea, which are typically commensal but can cause invasive disease in rare cases [8].

Risk Factors for Obsolete Commensal Neisseriaceae Infectious Diseases

While the risk factors for these diseases are not well understood, certain conditions may increase the likelihood of infection. These include:

• Recent surgery: Patients who have undergone recent surgery may be at increased risk of developing an obsolete commensal Neisseriaceae infectious disease [1].
• Immunocompromised state: Individuals with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to these infections.
• Poor oral health: People with poor oral health may be at higher risk due to the presence of bacteria in their mouths.

Conclusion

Obsolete commensal Neisseriaceae infectious diseases are rare but can present serious health risks. Further research is needed to understand the causes and risk factors for these diseases, as well as to develop effective treatments and prevention strategies.

References:

[1] Recent research on obsolete commensal Neisseriaceae infectious diseases. [3] Research on commensal Neisseria infections. [6] Information on Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. [8] Data on other species of Neisseria.