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The bacterium most frequently responsible for toxic shock syndrome that originates in the reproductive system is:

A) Streptococcus pyogenes
B) Escherichia coli
C) Neisseria gonorrhoeae
D) Staphylococcus aureus

User Cwills
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Final answer:

The bacterium typically responsible for toxic shock syndrome originating in the reproductive system is Staphylococcus aureus, known for producing a superantigen toxin implicated in TSS cases related to tampon usage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bacterium most frequently responsible for toxic shock syndrome (TSS) that originates in the reproductive system is Staphylococcus aureus (D). TSS can potentially progress to sepsis, shock, and death if not promptly treated. Staphylococcus aureus can produce a superantigen called toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), which is implicated in the development of this condition particularly in the context of tampon usage, as well as in other localized or systemic infections.

Streptococcus pyogenes (A) is also known to cause a similar condition called streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSS), which is associated with more severe pathophysiology and a higher mortality rate, but it is less commonly associated with the reproductive system. E. coli (B) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (C) are not commonly associated with TSS originating in the reproductive system.

User Andyzinsser
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