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A patient presents with a history of diarrhea of several weeks' duration. Which of the following may be the cause?

  • A. Bordetella pertussis
  • B. Yersinia enterocolitica
  • C. Corynebacterium diphtheria
  • D. Neisseria meningitidis
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Yersinia enterocolitica. Y. enterocolitica is known to cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea in humans. It is often associated with contaminated food or water. Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, not diarrhea. Corynebacterium diphtheria causes respiratory diphtheria. Neisseria meningitidis is associated with meningitis and septicemia, not diarrhea. Therefore, based on the patient's symptoms and history, Y. enterocolitica is the most likely cause of the diarrhea in this case.