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
Reversion of Neisseriagonorrhoeae from a fimbriated (fim 1) to a non-fimbriated (fim 2) state would result in which one of the following phenomena?
assistant
The correct answer is  Bacteria may shift rapidly between the fimbriated (fim +) and the non-fimbriated (fim -) states. Fimbriae function as adhesions to specific surfaces and consequently play a major role in pathogenesis. Lack of fimbriae prevents colonization of the mucosal surface by the bacterium.