Beyond the usual suspects: Reviewing infections caused by typically-commensal Neisseria species

Abstract

Objective: Few data outside of individual case reports are available on non-meningococcal, non-gonococcal species of Neisseria as causative agents of invasive disease. This review collates disease, organism and patient information from case reports on the topic.

Methods: A literature search was performed examining articles describing diseases caused by non-meningococcal and non-gonococcal Neisseria.

Findings: Neisseria present as opportunistic pathogens causing a wide variety of diseases including serious presentations, endocarditis being the most common condition described and N. mucosa the most commonly presenting pathogen overall. Disease may occur in otherwise healthy patients, although risk factors for infection include recent surgery, an immunocompromised state, poor oral health, and intravenous drug use.

Conclusions: Commensal Neisseria infections are rare but can present serious invasive diseases. Further research is required to determine why some species cause disease more than others or why some are inclined towards particular manifestations.

Keywords: Commensal; Disease; Endocarditis; Meningococcal; Neisseria.