Microbiology Interview Question:

A person who has a normal healthy immune system acquires a new strain of E. coli that now lives in his gastrointestinal tract. This individual is not ill. A second person with an acute leukemia and no white blood cells acquires the same organism, develops diarrhea followed by hypotension, bacteremia, sepsis, and death. This organism is?

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* A. Normal flora for both individuals
* B. A pathogen for both individuals
* C. An opportunistic pathogen for both individuals
* D. One with a low degree of virulence

Correct Answer: D
Submitted by: Administrator