What toxin does Shigella produce?

What toxin does Shigella produce?

• A. Botulinum toxin
• B. Enterotoxin
• C. Diphtheria toxin
• D. Shiga toxin

Answer: (D)

Shigella produces Shiga toxin. This potent AB5 toxin damages host cells by inhibiting protein synthesis—it cleaves a specific site on the 28S ribosomal RNA, stopping translation and causing intestinal cell injury. Clinically, this leads to severe dysentery and can trigger hemolytic uremic syndrome in some cases. Other toxins listed come from different organisms: botulinum toxin from Clostridium botulinum, diphtheria toxin from Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and enterotoxins are a broad class produced by various pathogens. Shiga toxin is the best match for Shigella.

Shigella produces Shiga toxin. This potent AB5 toxin damages host cells by inhibiting protein synthesis—it cleaves a specific site on the 28S ribosomal RNA, stopping translation and causing intestinal cell injury. Clinically, this leads to severe dysentery and can trigger hemolytic uremic syndrome in some cases. Other toxins listed come from different organisms: botulinum toxin from Clostridium botulinum, diphtheria toxin from Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and enterotoxins are a broad class produced by various pathogens. Shiga toxin is the best match for Shigella.