A pharmaceutical researcher is developing a novel agent to prevent meningococcal disease in people exposed to the bacteria. Pili antigens from Neisseria meningitidis are extracted and used to generate monoclonal antibodies that impair normal pili function. The antibodies are administered to experimental animals with no prior exposure to N meningitidis. These animals, along with control animals that had not received the antibodies, are subsequently exposed to the bacteria. Compared to the control animals, a significantly greater proportion of the animals that received the antibodies remain healthy and develop no symptoms. The efficacy of these antibodies in preventing meningococcal disease is most likely due to direct interference with which of the following microbial processes?

Question

A pharmaceutical researcher is developing a novel agent to prevent meningococcal disease in people exposed to the bacteria.  Pili antigens from Neisseria meningitidis are extracted and used to generate monoclonal antibodies that impair normal pili function.  The antibodies are administered to experimental animals with no prior exposure to N meningitidis.  These animals, along with control animals that had not received the antibodies, are subsequently exposed to the bacteria.  Compared to the control animals, a significantly greater proportion of the animals that received the antibodies remain healthy and develop no symptoms.  The efficacy of these antibodies in preventing meningococcal disease is most likely due to direct interference with which of the following microbial processes?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Pili are the primary virulence factor that allow Neisseria meningitidis to initially attach to and colonize the nasopharyngeal epithelial surface.  Pili undergo significant antigenic variation, which makes them a difficult vaccination target.

A Pharmaceutical Researcher Is Developing a Novel Agent to Prevent