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A patient with severe abdominal pain and diarrhea had a stool sample cultured. The bacteria were Gram-negative rods that did not ferment lactose. What is the most likely causative agent?

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

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Salmonella enterica. This is because Salmonella are Gram-negative rods that do not ferment lactose, which fits the description in the question. Additionally, Salmonella is a common cause of severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae is a Gram-negative rod that also causes severe diarrhea but it does not share the characteristic of not fermenting lactose. Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative rod that does ferment lactose. Proteus vulgaris is also a Gram-negative rod but it is not commonly associated with severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, making it an unlikely causative agent in this scenario.