Which of the following bacteria use their flagella to invade mucus membranes and cause infections?

• A. Staphylococcus aureus
• B. Helicobacter pylori
• C. Streptococcus pneumoniae
• D. Bacillus anthracis

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of flagella in bacterial motility. Flagella are whip-like structures that enable bacteria to move, which can be crucial for invading host tissues such as mucus membranes.
2. Step 2: Review the characteristics of each bacterium listed. Identify which bacteria possess flagella and are known for motility-related invasion.
3. Step 3: Recall that Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae are generally non-motile and do not use flagella for invasion.
4. Step 4: Recognize that Bacillus anthracis has flagella but primarily causes infection through spores rather than motility-based invasion of mucus membranes.
5. Step 5: Note that Helicobacter pylori is a motile bacterium with flagella that specifically uses them to penetrate the mucus lining of the stomach, facilitating infection.