Question

A strain of Neisseria gonorrhea has a mutation which has caused it to lose the ability to produce fimbriae and become less virulent as a consequence. What function has this pathogen lost

Answer 1

Answer: The pathogen has lost the function of the ability to adhere to cells of the body.

Explanation:

Neisseria gonorrhea is a gram negative bacteria that has the ability to attack and cause disease in man using its virulent factors. It is know to attack the urethra of both male and female producing an acute urethritis and tenda to spread locally if not treated. The virulent factors determines the ability of the organism to infect or damage it's hosts tissues and they include:

--> endotoxins

--> pilli

--> fimbriae

--> capsule polysaccharide expression

The fimbriae is one of the virulent determinants which the organism uses to attach to the host cells. As these bacteria multiple and grow, there are chances of mutation occuring. MUTATION is defined as the errors during DNA replication or induced by exposure to mutagens (like chemicals and radiation)

If the bacteria is affected by mutation, which can cause the gene for fimbriae production not to be expressed, the virulent factor of the organism will be highly affected as the first step to cause an Infection which is attachment is lost.