Which of the following shigella doesn’t ferment mannitol?
**Core Concept**
Shigella species can be differentiated based on their ability to ferment various sugars, including mannitol. This characteristic is used in biochemical tests to identify and classify Shigella isolates. The fermentation of mannitol is a key feature of some Shigella species.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Shigella dysenteriae type 1 does not ferment mannitol. This is because it lacks the enzyme mannitol dehydrogenase, which is necessary for the fermentation of mannitol to occur. As a result, Shigella dysenteriae type 1 can be distinguished from other Shigella species that do ferment mannitol. This biochemical characteristic is useful in the laboratory identification of Shigella isolates.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Shigella flexneri does ferment mannitol. This species produces the enzyme mannitol dehydrogenase, allowing it to ferment mannitol and distinguish it from Shigella dysenteriae type 1.
**Option B:** Shigella boydii also ferments mannitol. This species is another member of the Shigella genus that produces mannitol dehydrogenase and can therefore ferment mannitol.
**Option C:** Shigella sonnei ferments mannitol as well. This species is known to produce the enzyme mannitol dehydrogenase, allowing it to ferment mannitol and distinguish it from Shigella dysenteriae type 1.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that the fermentation of mannitol is a key characteristic used in the identification of Shigella species. This biochemical test can help distinguish between different species of Shigella and is an important tool in the laboratory diagnosis of shigellosis.
**Correct Answer: C. Shigella sonnei is incorrect since the question was about which shigella does NOT ferment mannitol. The correct answer should be D, however D is missing.**