An 18-Month-Old Boy Is Evaluated for Recurrent Infections

An 18-month-old boy is evaluated for recurrent infections.  He has been hospitalized 3 times with pneumonia since age 3 months.  He has also had multiple skin infections requiring treatment with antibacterial and antifungal agents.  During his last episode of pneumonia, he developed a large pleural effusion, which was drained.  The pleural fluid revealed numerous neutrophils containing a large number of intact gram-positive cocci.  The microorganisms responsible for this patient's recurrent infections most likely produce which of the following virulence factors?

A) Catalase
B) Coagulase
C) Lecithinase
D) Lipopolysaccharide
E) Polysaccharide capsule

Correct Answer:

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