Which virulence factor mediates mucosal adherence in Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

Which virulence factor mediates mucosal adherence in Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

• A. Capsule
• B. Endotoxin
• C. Pili
• D. Exotoxin A

Answer: (C)

Adherence to mucosal surfaces is the crucial first step for gonococcal infection, and the factor that mediates this attachment is the surface hair-like structures known as type IV pili. These pili reach out and grip epithelial cells, allowing Neisseria gonorrhoeae to cling under the shear forces present in the genital tract, promoting colonization. They also enable microcolony formation and twitching motility, which help the bacteria establish a foothold. In addition, pili exhibit antigenic variation, which helps the bacteria evade the host immune response during ongoing infection. Capsule is not a defining feature for this organism and is more associated with other Neisseria species like Neisseria meningitidis. Endotoxin activity from lipooligosaccharide drives inflammation but does not mediate adherence. Exotoxin A is not produced by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Adherence to mucosal surfaces is the crucial first step for gonococcal infection, and the factor that mediates this attachment is the surface hair-like structures known as type IV pili. These pili reach out and grip epithelial cells, allowing Neisseria gonorrhoeae to cling under the shear forces present in the genital tract, promoting colonization. They also enable microcolony formation and twitching motility, which help the bacteria establish a foothold. In addition, pili exhibit antigenic variation, which helps the bacteria evade the host immune response during ongoing infection.

Capsule is not a defining feature for this organism and is more associated with other Neisseria species like Neisseria meningitidis. Endotoxin activity from lipooligosaccharide drives inflammation but does not mediate adherence. Exotoxin A is not produced by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.