A strain of Vibrio cholerae has mutated and is no longer able to produce cholera toxin.What is the most likely outcome of infection with this strain?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cholera toxin is responsible for the watery diarrhea characteristic of Vibrio cholerae infections. Without the production of this toxin, the bacteria will not cause diarrhea, although some symptoms of infection may still occur, such as fever and abdominal pain. However, option A is incorrect because the disease produced by the non-toxin-producing strain will be less severe than that of toxin-producing strains. Option B is unlikely because Vibrio cholerae is able to survive transit through the stomach and colonize the small intestine. Option D is incorrect because Vibrio cholerae infection can result in inflammation of the intestinal epithelium even in the absence of cholera toxin, leading to some symptoms of infection.

A Strain of Vibrio Cholerae Has Mutated and Is No