A patient states they have a sore, scratchy throat and are diagnosed with strep throat. Their doctor explains that this was caused by the pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes, for which a virulence factor is the adhesin Protein F. What was the attachment site of this pathogen in the patient?
A. Respiratory epithelial cells
B. Immune system cells
C. Intestinal epithelial cells
D. Urethral epithelial cells
Answer (2)
The pathogen causing strep throat, Streptococcus pyogenes, attaches primarily to respiratory epithelial cells, leading to the symptoms associated with the infection. This attachment is facilitated by the virulence factor, Protein F. Other sites like immune or intestinal cells are not involved in this specific infection. ;
Streptococcus pyogenes attaches primarily to respiratory epithelial cells, leading to the symptoms of strep throat. The virulence factor responsible for this attachment is Protein F. Thus, the correct answer is option A: Respiratory epithelial cells.
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