E Coli O157:H7 Has a Very Low Infectious Dose Because

Question

E. coli O157:H7 has a very low infectious dose because
A) it is encapsulated.
B) disease results from a synergistic action with Shigella.
C) it is resistant to usually lethal gastric acid.
D) the intestine has many receptors for the toxin.
E) it secretes a superantigen.

Accepted Answer

E. coli O157:H7 is resistant to gastric acid in the stomach, which allows it to survive and colonize the intestines at a low infectious dose. This is why it is important to properly cook and handle food to prevent infection.