microbiology an introduction tortora test bank Related

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Which bacteria produce exotoxins that can cause severe dehydration and diarrhea?

  • A. Vibrio cholerae
  • B. Clostridium tetani
  • C. Escherichia coli
  • D. Shigella dysenteriae
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium produces cholera toxin, an exotoxin that causes severe dehydration and diarrhea by increasing the secretion of electrolytes and water in the intestines. Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of cholera, a disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhea. Choice B, Clostridium tetani, produces tetanospasmin causing tetanus, not dehydration or diarrhea. Choice C, Escherichia coli, can cause diarrhea but rarely severe dehydration. Choice D, Shigella dysenteriae, produces Shiga toxin leading to bloody diarrhea, not severe dehydration.