Which statement about enterotoxins is accurate?

Enterotoxins are a specific type of toxin that primarily affect the intestines and are known for their role in gastrointestinal diseases. These toxins can lead to severe disruption of normal intestinal function, causing symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

When enterotoxins act on the intestinal epithelium, they can interfere with electrolyte and fluid balance, ultimately leading to the classic signs of gastroenteric distress. This mechanism illustrates how enterotoxins directly impact the functionality of the intestines, making the statement about their ability to disrupt normal intestinal function accurate.

In contrast, the other statements do not hold true for enterotoxins. They are not always fatal; various toxins can lead to serious illness without being lethal. The claim that they only affect children is inaccurate, as enterotoxins can impact individuals of all ages. Lastly, not all bacteria produce enterotoxins; only certain pathogenic species, like some strains of E. coli and S. aureus, are known for producing these specific toxins. Hence, the accurate assertion regarding enterotoxins is their role in disrupting normal intestinal function.