A 26-Year-Old Man Develops Dysuria and Purulent Urethral Discharge Following

A 26-year-old man develops dysuria and purulent urethral discharge following unprotected sex with a new partner.  Nucleic acid amplification testing is positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection.  The patient develops antibody against the bacterial pili that enhance attachment to host cells.  His symptoms resolve with adequate treatment.  His partner does not receive treatment.  Several weeks later, the patient develops N gonorrhoeae reinfection after repeat exposure to the same partner.  Which of the following is the most likely reason for the lack of long-lasting immunity against the bacteria despite antibody formation in this patient?

A) Antigenic mimicry
B) Antigenic variation
C) Conjugative plasmid
D) Low molecular weight antigen
E) Non-protein antigen

Correct Answer:

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