ABSTRACT
The family of Neisseriaceae as defined by Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology consists of two separate rRNA super families that are not related. The true Neisseriaceae and two Kingella ssp. belong to the β-subclass of Proteobacteria, while false Neisseria, Moraxella, Branhamella, and the Acinetobacter genera belong to the γ-subclass of the Proteobacteria, which have been removed from the family of Neisseriaceae. In addition, genetic studies have shown that Eikenella, Simonsiella, Alyseilla EF-4a, EF-4b, M-5, and M-6 (CDC groups) are related to the true Neisseriaceae and two Kinegella ssp. The present classification of the family of Neisseriaceae contains Neisseria, Kingella, Eikenella, Simonsiella, Alyseilla EF-4a, EF-4b, M-5, and M-6 (1, 2). This chapter will only discuss Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis because of their pathogenicity in humans. Species of the genus Neisseria found in humans and animals inhabiting mucous membranes are listed in Table 35.1 (3).
