Question:

Hemolytic enterotoxin (HBL), nonhemolytic enterotoxin (Nhe), and cytotoxin K (CytK) are produced by ______.

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HBL, Nhe, and CytK are the three classic enterotoxins responsible for the diarrheal form of *Bacillus cereus* food poisoning.
  • Clostridium botulinum
  • Bacillus cereus
  • E. coli
  • Shigella dysenteriae
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation



Step 1: Understanding the Concept:

*Bacillus cereus* is a spore-forming foodborne pathogen known for causing two distinct types of food poisoning: the emetic (vomiting) syndrome and the diarrheal syndrome.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

The diarrheal syndrome of *Bacillus cereus* food poisoning is caused by enterotoxins produced during vegetative growth in the small intestine.
Research has identified three main pore-forming cytotoxins responsible for this syndrome:
1. Hemolysin BL (HBL): A three-component toxin complex displaying hemolytic and dermonecrotic activities.
2. Non-hemolytic enterotoxin (Nhe): Another three-component toxin complex that is highly cytotoxic to epithelial cells.
3. Cytotoxin K (CytK): A single-component protein channel-forming toxin.
These three specific toxins are produced by *Bacillus cereus*, not by *Clostridium*, *E. coli*, or *Shigella*.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The toxins HBL, Nhe, and CytK are synthesized by Bacillus cereus.
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