mastering microbiology test bank Related

Review mastering microbiology test bank related questions and content

Which bacteria produces an enterotoxin that causes diarrhea?

  • A. Vibrio cholerae
  • B. Clostridium botulinum
  • C. Escherichia coli
  • D. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium produces the cholera toxin, an enterotoxin that causes profuse watery diarrhea by disrupting the normal function of the intestines. Vibrio cholerae is specifically known for causing cholera, a severe diarrheal disease. Clostridium botulinum (B) produces botulinum toxin, causing botulism (paralysis, not diarrhea). Escherichia coli (C) can produce enterotoxins, but the question specifies a specific enterotoxin causing diarrhea, which is not a characteristic of all strains of E. coli. Streptococcus pneumoniae (D) is a common cause of respiratory infections but does not produce an enterotoxin causing diarrhea.