Neisseria meningitidis produces an endotoxin.

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Multiple Choice

Neisseria meningitidis produces an endotoxin.

Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative bacterium with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in its outer membrane. The lipid A portion of this LPS acts as an endotoxin, released when the bacteria lyse or shed parts of the outer membrane. This endotoxin strongly activates the host immune system, causing fever and inflammation and can contribute to meningitis and septic shock. So, the organism does produce an endotoxin, which is why the statement is correct. It’s not accurate to say it does not produce toxins, since endotoxin is a toxin. The idea that it is strictly airborne describes transmission, not toxin production. And endotoxin is produced by the bacterium, not the other way around.

Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative bacterium with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in its outer membrane. The lipid A portion of this LPS acts as an endotoxin, released when the bacteria lyse or shed parts of the outer membrane. This endotoxin strongly activates the host immune system, causing fever and inflammation and can contribute to meningitis and septic shock. So, the organism does produce an endotoxin, which is why the statement is correct.

It’s not accurate to say it does not produce toxins, since endotoxin is a toxin. The idea that it is strictly airborne describes transmission, not toxin production. And endotoxin is produced by the bacterium, not the other way around.

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