microbiology chapter 14 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 14 test bank related questions and content

Which of the following bacteria produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock?

  • A. Staphylococcus aureus
  • B. Escherichia coli
  • C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) can produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock. Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, can also produce endotoxins called superantigens that can trigger a massive immune response leading to septic shock. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct. Choices A, B, and C alone are incorrect because they do not account for the fact that all three bacteria listed produce endotoxins that can cause septic shock.