Which of the following diseases is caused by the Neisseria organism?

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Neisseria are gram-negative diplococci, meaning they are pairs of spherical bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain in Gram staining.
The question asks to identify the disease caused by a Neisseria organism, and Gonorrhoea is the classic example among the choices provided.

Option B: Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection.
Option C: Syphilis is a multi-stage sexually transmitted infection.
Option D: Lyme disease is an illness transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of infectious diseases, specifically identifying the disease caused by the Neisseria organism as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correctly identifying the causative organism is critical for selecting the appropriate antibiotic treatment. Neisseria gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to many antibiotics, so treatment guidelines must be followed closely (e.g., using ceftriaxone).
Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy. In men, it can lead to epididymitis.
What if? If a patient presents with urethritis, and microscopy shows gram-negative intracellular diplococci, the presumptive diagnosis is gonorrhea, and treatment should be initiated immediately without waiting for culture results to prevent further transmission and complications.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of microbiology.
First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'Neisseria organism'.
Next, review each option and recall the specific causative agent for that disease.
Match the disease with the Neisseria genus. You should recall that Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes Gonorrhoea.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their causative agents: Bordetella pertussis for Pertussis, Treponema pallidum for Syphilis, and Borrelia burgdorferi for Lyme disease.
Confirm your choice. Gonorrhoea is the only disease on the list caused by a Neisseria species.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Etiology of infectious diseases, specifically identifying the disease caused by the Neisseria organism.
Stem keywords: Neisseria organism, diseases
Lead-in keywords: Which

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 371-373

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 1 p. 84-86

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1751-1753

Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.