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The Staphylococcus aureus toxin, which can cause scalded skin syndrome (SSS), is:

  • A. hemolysis
  • B. enterotoxin
  • C. leucocidin
  • D. epidermolytic toxin
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: epidermolytic toxin. This toxin specifically targets the epidermis, leading to exfoliation seen in scalded skin syndrome (SSS). Hemolysis (A) refers to the destruction of red blood cells, not relevant to SSS. Enterotoxins (B) cause food poisoning, not SSS. Leucocidins (C) target white blood cells, not pertinent to SSS. Therefore, the epidermolytic toxin (D) is the correct choice for causing SSS.