Not only normal flora of humans and animals, this genus of bacteria contains agents of important diseases such as gonorrhea, meningitis, and septicemia.

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Except for N. gonorrhoeae, Neisseria species are normal inhabitants of the upper respiratory tract of humans. N. gonorrhoeae, primarily a pathogen found in the urogenital tract, is never considered normal flora and is always considered clinically significant. N. gonorrhoeae is a leading cause of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease. N. meningitidis is a leading cause of fatal bacterial meningitis. The other Neisseria spp. are not considered pathogens and are often referred to as the saprophytic Neisseria. Although they are most commonly encountered as contaminants in clinical specimens, they can occasionally be involved in bacteremia and endocarditis.

Not Only Normal Flora of Humans and Animals, This Genus