Shigella releases endotoxin in the host, which causes which of the following effects?

• A. Paralysis of motor neurons
• B. Inhibition of protein synthesis in host cells
• C. Fever and inflammation
• D. Increased antibody production

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand what an endotoxin is. Endotoxins are components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, such as Shigella, specifically lipopolysaccharides (LPS). When released, they trigger immune responses in the host.
2. Step 2: Recognize the typical effects of endotoxins. Endotoxins primarily stimulate the host's immune system to produce fever and inflammation by inducing the release of cytokines like interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
3. Step 3: Differentiate endotoxin effects from other bacterial toxins. For example, inhibition of protein synthesis is characteristic of Shiga toxin (an exotoxin), not endotoxin. Paralysis of motor neurons is associated with neurotoxins like tetanus toxin, not endotoxin.
4. Step 4: Connect the immune response to clinical symptoms. The fever and inflammation caused by endotoxin release are part of the body's defense mechanism to fight infection but can also contribute to disease symptoms.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options given, fever and inflammation are the correct effects caused by Shigella endotoxin release, as endotoxins do not directly cause paralysis or inhibit protein synthesis.