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A patient with severe abdominal pain had a stool culture revealing non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rods that produce gas in nutrient broth. What is the most likely causative agent?

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

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Proteus vulgaris. This is because Proteus species are non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rods that produce gas in nutrient broth. They are known to cause severe abdominal pain due to their ability to invade the intestinal mucosa.

A: Salmonella enterica is a lactose-fermenting organism and typically does not produce gas in nutrient broth.
B: Shigella dysenteriae is a lactose-negative organism but does not produce gas in nutrient broth.
C: Escherichia coli is a lactose-fermenting organism and does not typically produce gas in nutrient broth.

In summary, the presence of non-lactose-fermenting, gas-producing Gram-negative rods points towards Proteus vulgaris as the most likely causative agent of the severe abdominal pain.