Gram Negative Diplococci

The diplococci are bacteria with a round shape and these microbes are found, in nature, in pairs of cells. Gram-negative is a term used in association with these bacteria to mean that a crystal violet dye is not retained (in the protocol of Gram staining) by these. Those bacteria which retain this dye are known as gram positive. There are many infectious diplococci in the gram negative category. Let us have a look at some of these through information in this article.

Facts about Gram Negative Diplococci

The details of important gram negative diplococci falling in this group can be found in the paragraphs below.

Moraxella Catarrhalis
This gram-negative bacteria is non-motile in nature. It causes different types of bacterial infections of respiratory system, central nervous system, middle ear and joints of the body. The Moraxella catarrhalis is placed in the family, Moraxellaceae and order Pseudomonadales. Since, the bacteria was earlier placed in the genus, Branhamella, it is also referred to as Branhamella catarrhalis.

As stated earlier, the Moraxella catarrhalis is responsible for a variety of respiratory and other infections. Speaking specifically about the diseases, the bronchitis, sinusitis otitis media and laryngitis are few of the conditions caused by these gram negative bacteria. This microorganism is also associated with the disease of bronchopneumonia. Heavy smokers and elderly patients should especially be aware of such problems caused by Moraxella catarrhalis. The beta-lactamases produced by these bacteria makes it resistant to penicillin. This diplococcus bacteria is also resistant to tetracycline, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Treatment for this bacterial infection is carried out by means of fluoroquinolones, amoxicillin clavunate and erythromycin.

Neisseria Meningitidis
The Neisseria meningtidis is amongst the important gram negative diplococci and is responsible for causing meningitis. Mortality rates resulting from the infection of this bacterium are high in Africa and Asia. Younger children (below 5 years of age) are at a greater risk of infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. These bacteria attack only the human beings; the reason behind such behavior by the bacteria is that it can obtain iron only from humans. The sources of iron (found in human body) which Neisseria meningitidis makes use of are lactoferrin and transferrin.

The outer membrane of this bacterium contains lipooligosaccharide; the chemical, lipooligosaccharide acts as an endotoxin. This chemical is responsible for septic shock and fever. In some cases, lipoologosaccharide also causes destruction of red blood cells and results into hemorrhage. The Neisseria meningitidis, apart from meningitis is also responsible for causing septicemia. In septicemia, inflammation of the whole-body takes place. Presence of gram negative diplococci in urine and the response by immune system against them results into an inflammatory state of the body. The antibiotics such as ceotaxime, ceftriaxone and penicillin G are used in the treatment of this gram negative diplococci. Sputum of the affected person can be tested in laboratory, to confirm the presence of this bacterium.

Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
This gram negative bacteria was first described by Albert Neisser in the year 1879. Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection is caused by this bacterium. The Neisseriaceae gonorrhoeae are a type of bacteria which move by means of a twitching motion. Pili are the locomotory organs used by this gram negative diplococci for movement. In laboratories, the Neisseriaceae gonorrhoeae can grow on chocolate agar. In the infection called gonorrhoeae, a pus-like discharge from genitals can be observed; this purulent discharge is characterized by a foul smell. Other symptoms of this medical condition include inflammation, swelling, redness and burning sensation at the time of urination. It is not just the sexually transmitted infection caused by this bacterium that is problematic but also the other health problems caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The symptoms resulting from this diplococcus bacterial infection include pharyngitis, conjuctivitis, urethritis, orchitis and prostatitis. It is found that the Neisseria gonorrhoeae is resistant to antibiotics from the penicillin group. The medications like ceftriaxone can therefore, be used.

The gram negative diplococci are mostly the infectious bacteria responsible for many different diseases; a short account of information about Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis and Moraxella catarrhalis should throw some light on the diseases they are responsible for and also the treatment measures being used against them.