Which two diseases are primarily caused by Neisseria bacteria?

Neisseria bacteria are known to be the causative agents of specific infectious diseases, particularly meningitis and gonorrhea. Meningococcal meningitis is typically associated with Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium that can lead to severe inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This condition can rapidly become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Gonorrhea, on the other hand, is primarily caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a sexually transmitted bacterium that can infect the genital tract, as well as the rectum and throat.

Both conditions are well-established in clinical practice as being linked directly to Neisseria species, making them the primary focus of the query. The other options provided either involve different organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis for tuberculosis, or encompass viruses like HIV and herpes, which are not associated with Neisseria. Thus, the identification of meningitis and gonorrhea as diseases linked to Neisseria bacteria accurately reflects the primary infectious roles of these pathogens in human health.