Nonpathogenic Neisseria species are commonly part of normal microbiota of which region in healthy individuals?

Nonpathogenic Neisseria species are commonly part of normal microbiota of which region in healthy individuals?

• A. Upper respiratory tract
• B. Skin
• C. Gastrointestinal tract
• D. Urinary tract

Answer: (A)

Nonpathogenic Neisseria species are commensals of the mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract. In healthy individuals, organisms such as Neisseria lactamica, N. sicca, and related species commonly colonize the nasopharynx and oropharynx, forming part of the normal flora. This is why these Neisseria are frequently encountered in throat cultures without causing disease. They are not typical residents of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or urinary tract, where different microbial communities predominate.

Nonpathogenic Neisseria species are commensals of the mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract. In healthy individuals, organisms such as Neisseria lactamica, N. sicca, and related species commonly colonize the nasopharynx and oropharynx, forming part of the normal flora. This is why these Neisseria are frequently encountered in throat cultures without causing disease. They are not typical residents of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or urinary tract, where different microbial communities predominate.