Question

Which organism in Table 15.2 causes the most severe disease?

A) E. coli O157:H7
B) Legionella pneumophila
C) Shigella
D) Treponema pallidum
E) It cannot be determined from the information provided.

Answer 1

E. coli O157:H7 is the organism that causes the most severe disease among the options provided, due to its ability to produce a Shiga-like toxin leading to hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the organisms listed in Table 15.2, E. coli O157:H7 causes the most severe disease. This strain of E. coli is known as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), which is capable of causing life-threatening conditions such as hemolytic uremic syndrome.

The severity of the illness is attributed to the production of a Shiga-like toxin, which can lead to cellular death and severe symptoms. Despite other pathogens listed being capable of causing serious diseases, the potential for E. coli O157:H7 to cause large-scale outbreaks and its link with deadly conditions makes it the most severe among the options provided.