An immunologist is discussing endotoxin production. Which ...

[Lisaclaire]

An immunologist is discussing endotoxin production. Which information should the immunolo-gist include? Endotoxins are produced by:
 
  a. gram-negative bacteria.
  b. gram-positive bacteria.
  c. gram-negative fungi.
  d. gram-positive fungi.

Question 2

A 5-year-old male becomes ill with a severe cough. Histologic examination reveals a bacterial in-fection, and further laboratory testing reveals cell membrane damage and decreased protein syn-thesis.
 
  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this illness?
  a. Endotoxin
  b. Exotoxin
  c. Hemolysis
  d. Septicemia

[bhavsar]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Endotoxins are produced by gram-negative bacteria. They are not produced by gram-positive bacteria or any type of fungi.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Exotoxins are enzymes that can damage the plasma membranes of host cells or can inactivate enzymes critical to protein synthesis, and endotoxins activate the inflammatory response and produce fever. Endotoxins released by blood-borne bacteria cause the release of vasoactive en-zymes that increase the permeability of blood vessels. Hemolysis is the breakdown of red cells. Septicemia is the growth of bacteria in the blood.

[Lisaclaire]

Excellent

[amcvicar]

TYSM