microbiology an introduction 12th edition test bank Related

Review microbiology an introduction 12th edition test bank related questions and content

Which organism produces a toxin that blocks neuromuscular transmission in cholinergic motor neurons:

  • A. Shigella dysenteriae
  • B. Clostridium tetani
  • C. Corynebacterium diphtheria
  • D. Clostridium botulinum
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces botulinum toxin, which blocks neuromuscular transmission by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Shigella dysenteriae (A) causes dysentery but does not affect neuromuscular transmission. Clostridium tetani (B) produces tetanus toxin, which affects inhibitory neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle spasm. Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C) produces diphtheria toxin, which affects protein synthesis in cells, not neuromuscular transmission.