Which of the following is NOT a virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae? (1 mark)CapsuleAdhesinsExotoxinFlagella

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the options provided and define virulence factors related to Streptococcus pneumoniae.
2. Analyze each option in the context of its association with Streptococcus pneumoniae as a virulence factor.

Relevant Concepts

Virulence factors are traits that enable a microbe to establish itself in a host and enhance its ability to cause disease.

Analysis and Detail

1. Capsule: Streptococcus pneumoniae has a well-known polysaccharide capsule that protects it from phagocytosis, making it a crucial virulence factor.
2. Adhesins: These are molecules that assist in the adhesion of bacteria to host cells. Streptococcus pneumoniae possesses adhesins that facilitate its colonization in the upper respiratory tract.
3. Exotoxin: Streptococcus pneumoniae produces certain proteins, but it does not produce exotoxins in the same way that some other bacteria do (like Staphylococcus aureus).
4. Flagella: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a non-motile bacterium and does not possess flagella, hence flagella is not a virulence factor for this organism.

Verify and Summarize

After analyzing the options, it is clear that both the capsule and adhesins are valid virulence factors for Streptococcus pneumoniae. Exotoxins are not a significant category for this bacterium, and it decidedly lacks flagella.

Final Answer

Flagella is NOT a virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae.