Final answer:
N. gonorrhoeae pathogenicity is due to a combination of pili, lipopolysaccharide, and IgA protease, all of which contribute to its virulence and ability to cause disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which of the following are contributing factors to the pathogenicity of N. gonorrhoeae? The correct answer is d) All of the above. N. gonorrhoeae exhibits various virulence factors that contribute to its ability to cause disease. These factors include pili, which enable the bacterium to attach to host cells; lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which can trigger inflammatory responses; and IgA protease, an enzyme that breaks down IgA antibodies and disrupts the host's immune response. This combination of factors enhances the bacteria's ability to infect, damage, and evade the host's defense mechanisms.