Vibrio cholerae is the bacterium which causes the disease cholera. Vibrio cholerae is a toxigenic bacterium, meaning it creates toxins. The toxin created by Vibrio cholerae is and A-B toxin which disrupts the ionic balance of the host's intestinal cell membranes. This results in vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration in infected individuals which could lead to death. The toxin created by Vibrio cholerae is an A-B toxin and a _________ toxin.

• A. Neurotoxin.
• B. Endotoxin.
• C. Cytotoxin.
• D. Enterotoxin.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of Vibrio cholerae: It is a bacterium responsible for causing cholera, a disease characterized by severe dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Recognize the type of toxin produced: Vibrio cholerae produces an A-B toxin, which is a type of toxin that has two components, A (active) and B (binding). This toxin disrupts the ionic balance in the host's intestinal cells.
3. Identify the effects of the toxin: The disruption of ionic balance leads to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration, which are typical of gastrointestinal disturbances.
4. Determine the classification of the toxin: Given the symptoms and the site of action (intestinal cells), the toxin is classified as an enterotoxin, which specifically targets the intestines.
5. Differentiate from other toxin types: Neurotoxins affect nerve cells, endotoxins are part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, and cytotoxins damage cells. Enterotoxins, however, are associated with gastrointestinal effects, making it the correct classification for the toxin produced by Vibrio cholerae.