system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 54-year-old man comes to the physician because of persistent right knee pain and swelling for 2 weeks. Six months ago, he had a total knee replacement because of osteoarthritis. His temperature is 38.5°C (101.3°F), pulse is 100/min, and blood pressure is 139/84 mm Hg. Examination shows warmth and erythema of the right knee; range of motion is limited by pain. His leukocyte count is 14,500/mm3, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 50 mm/hr. Blood cultures grow gram-positive, catalase-positive cocci. These bacteria grow on mannitol salt agar without color change. Production of which of the following is most important for the organism's virulence?
assistant
Exopolysaccharides