Review Question - QID 210687

A 67-year-old woman presents to the emergency department due to recent onset of a high fever, accompanied by severe headache and neck stiffness. Her past medical history is significant for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and alcoholism. She is currently on immunosuppressants after a kidney transplant performed 6 months ago. On presentation, her temperature is 102.2°F (39°C), blood pressure is 112/71 mmHg, pulse is 107/min, and respirations are 22/min. Physical exam reveals severe pain with neck flexion and reciprocal knee flexion. Laboratory tests reveal a gram-positive rod that can be grown at 22°C. Which of the following characteristics is true of the most likely cause of this patient's disorder?