| Description | Neisseria macacae, a Gram-negative, diplococcal bacterium, thrives optimally at human body temperature, classifying it as a mesophile. This microbe is a heterotroph, relying on organic compounds for energy, and is categorized as a facultative anaerobe, allowing it to survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments.In terms of morphology, N. macacae appears as pairs of spherical cells (diplococci) that can often be seen within polymorphonuclear leukocytes, particularly during infectious processes. The bacterium is typically isolated from the mucosal surfaces of various mammals, including both humans and non-human primates, where it colonizes the nasopharynx and can occasionally be found in the urogenital tract.The metabolism of N. macacae reflects its ability to utilize glucose and other carbohydrates through fermentation processes, allowing it to adapt to varying nutritional environments. The facultative anaerobic nature of this bacterium enables it to thrive even in areas with fluctuating oxygen levels, which is essential for its survival in complex host environments. N. macacae has garnered attention in the scientific community due to its close genetic relationship with *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, the agent of gonorrhea. This similarity raises important questions about the potential for antibiotic resistance and the implications for public health, particularly in non-human primates that may act as reservoirs. Research into this bacterium is crucial for understanding its role in microbial ecology and its capacity for causing opportunistic infections, especially in immunocompromised hosts. |
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