Neisseria meningitidis strain M26503

Neisseria meningitidis strain M26503 is a Gram-negative bacterium characterized by its cocci shape and arrangement in pairs. This strain is an aerobe, requiring oxygen for its metabolic processes, but it is non-motile and does not possess flagella. It has a mesophilic temperature range, with an optimal growth temperature of 35°C. N. meningitidis M26503 is associated with human hosts (Homo sapiens) and is known to cause several severe health conditions, including meningitis, sepsis, cellulitis, and invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). Specific manifestations of disease related to this strain include meningococcal meningitis, meningococcal septicemia, bacterial meningitis, and acute bacterial meningitis (ABM). Biologically, N. meningitidis M26503 has a unique structure consisting of two membranes and a single replicon, which contributes to its pathogenic capabilities. The bacterium's free-living biotic relationship highlights its ability to thrive in host-associated environments, posing significant health risks to human populations. The presence of this strain in clinical settings underscores the importance of surveillance and understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms to mitigate the impact of invasive meningococcal disease.