How Do You Spell PARAMENINGOCOCCUS?

1. Parameningococcus is a bacterium belonging to the Neisseriaceae family and commonly associated with meningitis infections. It is characterized by its ability to cause inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Parameningococci are gram-negative diplococci, meaning they appear as pairs under a microscope and possess an outer membrane that stains pink when subjected to Gram staining.

   Parameningococcus is closely related to the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus, which is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in humans. However, parameningococcus strains are distinct from meningococcus as they are typically non-encapsulated, lacking the polysaccharide capsule present in many meningococcal strains. This absence of the capsule may explain why parameningococcus is generally less virulent than meningococcus.

   Infections caused by parameningococcus typically manifest as meningitis, but they can also result in other clinical conditions such as respiratory tract infections, septic arthritis, and endocarditis. The transmission of parameningococcus occurs through direct contact with respiratory droplets or secretions of infected individuals.

   The treatment of parameningococcal infections involves the administration of antibiotics that are effective against Neisseria species, such as penicillin or cephalosporins. Prompt medical attention is crucial to minimize complications and prevent the spread of the bacterium to others, particularly in outbreak situations. Additionally, vaccination against Neisseria meningitidis can help prevent infections caused by both meningococcus and parameningococcus.

2. A microorganism resembling morphologically the Diplococcus intracellularis, but differing from it biologically, and also resistant to the action of antimeningitis serum.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PARAMENINGOCOCCUS

The word "parameningococcus" is derived mainly from two components: "para-" and "meningococcus".

1. "Para-" is a prefix that originates from the Greek word "pará", meaning "beside" or "alongside". In medical terminology, it is commonly used to indicate a secondary or associated condition or feature.

2. "Meningococcus" is a noun derived from the combination of two Greek words - "meninx" meaning "membrane" or "meninges", and "kókkos" meaning "berry". In medical terms, "meningococcus" refers to a type of bacterium known as Neisseria meningitidis, which is a common cause of meningitis and septicemia.