NEET PG / USMLE – MCQ 57

A 37-year-old man with pancreatic cancer is brought to the emergency department because of fever and muscle aches for 4 days. His temperature is 39.7°C (103.5°F), and blood pressure is 70/40 mm Hg. Physical examination shows no other abnormalities. Blood cultures grow lactose-positive, motile, gram-negative rods. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient’s hypotension?
A. Endothelial cell cytotoxin
B. Endotoxin
C. Hemolysin
D. Protease
E. Superantigen