Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following virulence factors directly contributes to severe inflammation?
A
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
B
Capsule
C
Pili
D
Flagellin
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of virulence factors: Virulence factors are molecules produced by pathogens that contribute to the pathogenicity and severity of the infection.
Identify the function of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS): LPS is a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. It is known to trigger a strong immune response, leading to inflammation.
Examine how LPS contributes to inflammation: LPS activates immune cells, such as macrophages, which release pro-inflammatory cytokines. This process is a key contributor to severe inflammation.
Differentiate between the listed virulence factors: Compare the roles of Capsule, Pili, and Flagellin. Capsules help in evading phagocytosis, Pili are involved in adhesion, and Flagellin is a component of bacterial flagella.
Conclude why LPS is the correct answer: Among the options, LPS is the virulence factor that directly triggers a strong inflammatory response, making it the correct answer.