Review Question - QID 101099

The clinical history, stool sample and microbiological description of the cultured organism for the patient patient described above are consistent with Shigella dysenteriae infection.

Shigella dysenteriae is transmitted via the fecal-oral pathway and is common in developing countries where water sanitation may not be adequate. Following ingestion, S. dysenteriae is able to invade intestinal M-cells of Peyer's patches and release Shiga toxin (impairs the 60S ribosome and causes cell death). This leads to an inflammatory response, dysentery, and may also result in the formation of ulcers.

Illustration A shows a stool sample with both red and white blood cells present.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: Vibrio cholera would more typically present with watery diarrhea.
Answer 2: Though Escherichia coli can cause dysentery, E. coli is lactose fermenting and mobile.
Answer 3: Salmonella enteritidis are mobile bacteria.
Answer 5: Helicobacter pylori infection would be more consistent with infection of the stomach/duodenum and the formation of peptic ulcers.