A 10-year-old has a sore throat and a sandpaper rash. Which toxin causes the rash?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Erythrogenic exotoxin of Streptococcus pyogenes

  1. Step 1: Scarlet fever follows group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Answer: Erythrogenic exotoxin of Streptococcus pyogenes. Why not the others: TSST-1 and exfoliative toxin come from S. aureus and diphtheria toxin from Corynebacterium.

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