Shigella species invade the colonic mucosa by translocating through which specific cell type overlying the Peyer's patches, before spreading laterally to epithelial cells?
- A M cells ✓
- B Goblet cells
- C Enteroendocrine cells
- D Paneth cells
Correct answer: A. M cells
Explanation
Shigella is transcytosed through M cells overlying colonic lymphoid follicles (Peyer's patches). On the basolateral side, it is phagocytosed by macrophages, induces pyroptosis, escapes, and then invades adjacent epithelial cells from the basolateral surface. This M-cell translocation is shared with Salmonella and Yersinia. Goblet cells secrete mucus; Paneth cells secrete defensins.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.