Bacteriology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 19-year-old woman presents with her third episode of gonococcal cervicitis in 12 months despite appropriate ceftriaxone and azithromycin treatment. Vital signs show BP 118/76, HR 88, RR 16, Temp 37.2°C, SpO2 98%. Cervical culture confirms Neisseria gonorrhoeae; nucleic acid amplification testing is negative for chlamydia. Comprehensive metabolic panel and immunoglobulin levels are normal. She denies new sexual partners and confirms consistent partner testing and treatment. Which microbial property best explains her recurrent susceptibility to infection?
Answer choices
- AFormation of endospores
- BProduction of protein A
- CAbility to survive in macrophage phagolysosomes
- DAntigenic variation of piliCorrect answer
- EExpression of a polysaccharide capsule
- FPhase variation of surface opacity proteins
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