A 1-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his mother because of high fever, irritability, and photophobia. He recently underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for congenital hydrocephalus. On physical examination, his temperature is 38.3° C (101° F), and passive flexion of the neck results in spontaneous flexion of the hips and knees. Blood cultures grow coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Which of the following is the most important virulence mechanism by which this bacterium causes disease?

Question

A 1-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his mother because of high fever, irritability, and photophobia.  He recently underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for congenital hydrocephalus.  On physical examination, his temperature is 38.3° C (101° F), and passive flexion of the neck results in spontaneous flexion of the hips and knees.  Blood cultures grow coagulase-negative Staphylococcus.  Which of the following is the most important virulence mechanism by which this bacterium causes disease?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common cause of foreign body infections due to its ability to produce adherent biofilms.

A 1-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Emergency Department by His