microbiology a systems approach test bank Related

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Which one is true for enteropathogenic E.coli?

  • A. They have fimbrial adhesins to bind enterocytes
  • B. They cause bloody diarrhea in children similar to shigellosis
  • C. These organisms are part of the normal intestinal flora
  • D. They are invasive and produce enterotoxin
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) have fimbrial adhesins that help them bind to enterocytes in the intestines, leading to colonization and infection. This is a key virulence factor of EPEC.

Explanation for why other choices are incorrect:
B: EPEC typically cause watery diarrhea in infants, not bloody diarrhea similar to shigellosis.
C: EPEC are not part of the normal intestinal flora; they are pathogenic bacteria.
D: EPEC are not invasive and do not typically produce enterotoxin; they primarily adhere to the intestinal epithelium.