E. coli O157:H7 is a newsworthy microorganism that has been isolated from foods (meat) and beverages (cider) with increasing frequency, which of the following statements best describes its characteristic biology?
A.
It produces toxin that blocks protein synthesis in an infected cell and carries a lytic bacteriophage that produces the genetic information for toxin production.
B.
It produces at least one protein toxin consisting of two subunits, A and B, which cause severe spasmodic cough usually in children.
C.
It secretes erythrogenic toxin that causes the characteristic signs of scarlet fever.
D.
It secretes exotoxin that has been called "verotoxin" and "Shiga-like toxin"; infection is mediated by specific attachment to mucosal membranes.