Shigella species are characterized by which of the following features?

Prepare for the NBME Microbiology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each query comes with hints and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Shigella species are characterized by which of the following features?

Explanation:
Motility is the key idea. Shigella species are immotile, meaning they lack flagella and do not move on their own. This sets them apart from other enteric pathogens like Salmonella, which are motile. They also do not form spores and are oxidase negative, so those traits would describe other organisms. The immotility of Shigella reflects its niche as an intracellular invader of the intestinal mucosa and helps explain its characteristic infection pattern. Therefore, immotile best characterizes Shigella.

Motility is the key idea. Shigella species are immotile, meaning they lack flagella and do not move on their own. This sets them apart from other enteric pathogens like Salmonella, which are motile. They also do not form spores and are oxidase negative, so those traits would describe other organisms. The immotility of Shigella reflects its niche as an intracellular invader of the intestinal mucosa and helps explain its characteristic infection pattern. Therefore, immotile best characterizes Shigella.

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