A 35-Year-Old Man Develops Diffuse Abdominal Pain and Nonbloody, Watery

A 35-year-old man develops diffuse abdominal pain and nonbloody, watery diarrhea. He has 4 bowel movements per day but no nausea or vomiting. He was admitted for open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced fracture of the left humerus. The surgery and immediate postoperative course were uncomplicated. He appears ill. His temperature is 38.5°C (101.3°F) , pulse is 95/min, respirations are 19/min, and blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg. The lower abdomen is tender with guarding but without distention. His hemoglobin concentration is 13.5 g/dL and leukocyte count is 21,000/mm3. Stool analysis is pending. A CT scan of the abdomen with contrast shows a thickened edematous colon with trapping of contrast material between haustral folds. Which of the following pathogens is most likely responsible for this patient's current condition?

A) Campylobacter jejuni
B) Clostridioides difficile
C) Salmonella typhi
D) Shigella flexneri
E) Vibrio cholerae

Correct Answer:

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