A 1-week-old neonate presents to the pediatric emergency room with fever, irritability, poor feeding, and a bulging anterior fontanelle. Lumbar puncture is performed, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) grows group B Streptococcus. Which of the following is the most likely pathogenic mechanism?
There has been speculation concerning the pathogenesis of GBS. This includes failure to activate complement pathways and immobilization of polymorphonuclear leukocytes due to the inactivation of complement C5a, a potent chemoattractant.
Complement C5a, a potent chemoattractant, activates polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs)
In the absence of a specific antibody, opsonization, phagocyte recognition, and killing do not proceed normally
The alternative complement pathway is activated
The streptococci are resistant to penicillin
Bacteria