Sample E: Synovial fluid culture, grown on nutrient agar: staphylococcus epidermidis

A 75 year old male was admitted to hospital during a routine check-up following his recent knee-replacement surgery. A physical examination revealed stiffness, odema and hyperaemia at the new joint. When questioned, the patient revealed he had been experiencing night sweats. The patient has a history of osteoarthritis and diabetes.

for the microorganism, give at least one example of a relevant virulence factor and explain how this enhances pathogenicity