Which of the following characteristics is true of Shigella species in the context of the bacterial world?

• A. They are motile, Gram-positive cocci associated with skin infections.
• B. They are acid-fast, Gram-negative rods that cause tuberculosis.
• C. They are spore-forming, Gram-positive rods that cause food poisoning.
• D. They are non-motile, Gram-negative rods that cause bacillary dysentery.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the genus Shigella and recall its general characteristics in microbiology, focusing on morphology, Gram stain reaction, motility, and pathogenicity.
2. Step 2: Understand that Shigella species are Gram-negative rods, meaning they appear pink/red after Gram staining and have a rod-shaped morphology.
3. Step 3: Recognize that Shigella species are non-motile, which means they do not have flagella and cannot move independently.
4. Step 4: Recall the clinical significance of Shigella, which is primarily associated with causing bacillary dysentery, an infectious disease characterized by severe diarrhea.
5. Step 5: Compare the given options with these known characteristics to determine which statement accurately describes Shigella species.