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?
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.