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A patient with acute food poisoning had fecal cultures grown on Endo agar, resulting in colorless colonies. What microorganism is most likely responsible?

  • A. Salmonella
  • B. Escherichia coli
  • C. Staphylococcus
  • D. Shigella
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Endo agar is a selective and differential media commonly used to isolate gram-negative bacteria.
Step 2: Colorless colonies on Endo agar indicate the absence of lactose fermentation.
Step 3: Salmonella is a gram-negative bacterium that does not ferment lactose, leading to colorless colonies on Endo agar.
Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is A: Salmonella.
Summary:
B: Escherichia coli ferments lactose, producing pink colonies on Endo agar.
C: Staphylococcus is a gram-positive bacterium and would not grow on Endo agar.
D: Shigella is a gram-negative bacterium but ferments lactose, resulting in pink colonies on Endo agar.