Mastering Microbiology Test Bank Related

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A patient has a necrotizing phlegmon of his lower extremity. A doctor suspects a gas gangrene. Microscopy reveals grampositive bacilli. In order to confirm the diagnosis further bacteriological tests should include inoculation of the material into the following nutrient medium:

  • A. Kitt-Tarozzi medium
  • B. Endo agar
  • C. Meat-peptone agar
  • D. Levine agar
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kitt-Tarozzi medium. This medium is specifically designed to culture Clostridium species, the causative agents of gas gangrene. Clostridium species are gram-positive bacilli that produce gas during their metabolism. Inoculating the material into Kitt-Tarozzi medium allows for the selective growth of Clostridium species, aiding in the confirmation of a gas gangrene diagnosis.

Other choices are incorrect:
B: Endo agar is used for the isolation of gram-negative enteric bacteria.
C: Meat-peptone agar is a general-purpose medium and not specific for Clostridium species.
D: Levine agar is used for the isolation of Salmonella and Shigella species, not Clostridium.