Neisseria albicans is a Gram-negative bacterium. The name is pronounced /naɪˈsɪəriə/ and /ælˈbaɪkənz/. The first part of the name is after German physician Albert Neisser, who discovered the bacteria in 1879. The second part of the name derives from the Latin word "albus" meaning white or colorless, and refers to the color of the colonies formed by the bacteria. Proper spelling is important for communication and accuracy in scientific research involving Neisseria albicans.
Neisseria albicans is a bacterial species within the genus Neisseria. It is a Gram-negative, non-spore forming bacterium that typically exists as a diplococcus, which means it forms pairs of spherical cells.
Neisseria albicans is primarily associated with the human respiratory tract, and it was first isolated from sputum samples. It is considered as an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it generally does not cause disease in healthy individuals but can cause infection in individuals with weakened immune systems or other predisposing factors.
This bacterium is an aerobic organism, requiring oxygen for growth, and it is chemoorganotrophic, meaning it obtains energy by breaking down organic molecules. Neisseria albicans possesses a capsule and pili, which are hair-like structures that aid in adherence to host cells and can play a role in the colonization and pathogenicity of the bacteria.
In terms of its clinical significance, Neisseria albicans is known to be involved in respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also give rise to more severe diseases, including meningitis if it is able to enter the bloodstream and penetrate the central nervous system.
As with other Neisseria species, diagnosis of Neisseria albicans infection typically involves the isolation and identification of the bacterium from clinical specimens, often through culture-based techniques. Treatment involves the administration of appropriate antibiotics based on the susceptibility of the strain.
A form resembling the gonococcus, but larger, found in the vagina.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Neisseria" is named after Albert Neisser, a German physician and microbiologist who discovered the genus Neisseria. The term "albicans" is derived from the Latin word "albicans", which means "becoming white" or "whitening". It is used to describe the white color of colonies produced by Neisseria meningitidis, which was initially classified as Neisseria albicans by Anton Weichselbaum in 1887 before being renamed to its current name. It is important to note that Neisseria albicans is an outdated term and no longer used.