Use of Heme Compounds as Iron Sources by Pathogenic Neisseriae Requires the Product of the hemO Gene

Heme compounds are an important source of iron for neisseriae. We have identified a neisserial gene, hemO , that is essential for heme, hemoglobin (Hb), and haptoglobin-Hb utilization. The hemO gene is located 178 bp upstream of the hmbR Hb receptor gene in Neisseria meningitidis isolates. The pr…