microbiology chapter 14 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 14 test bank related questions and content

A patient with fever and diarrhea had a stool sample that revealed Gram-negative rods that fermented lactose. What is the most likely causative agent?

  • A. Escherichia coli
  • B. Salmonella typhi
  • C. Shigella dysenteriae
  • D. Proteus vulgaris
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. E. coli is a Gram-negative rod that ferments lactose. It is a common cause of gastroenteritis presenting with fever and diarrhea. Salmonella typhi does not ferment lactose and causes typhoid fever. Shigella dysenteriae causes dysentery and does not ferment lactose. Proteus vulgaris does not typically cause gastroenteritis and is not known for lactose fermentation.