4.3.7 Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis is closely related to Neisseria gonorrhoeae but causes an entirely different disease. Like N. gonorrhoeae it is fastidious, requiring similar specialist media and growth conditions. Initial identification from culture media is by Gram stain (Gram-negative cocci) and oxidase test (positive) with follow up confirmatory biochemical, immunological and enzyme tests where MALDI-TOF is not available. At least two of these tests are required to confirm Neisseria species.