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?
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