microbiology chapter 12 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 12 test bank related questions and content

A patient with diarrhea had fecal analysis revealing small, curved Gram-negative bacilli with a monotrichous flagellum. These bacteria do not form spores or capsules and thrive in alkaline conditions. What is the causative agent?

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

Rationale: Step 1: Small, curved Gram-negative bacilli with a monotrichous flagellum point towards a motile bacterium.
Step 2: The absence of spores or capsules and preference for alkaline conditions further narrows down the possibilities.
Step 3: Vibrio cholerae fits all criteria as it is a curved, motile, Gram-negative bacillus that thrives in alkaline environments.
Summary: Escherichia coli is a facultative anaerobe, Salmonella and Shigella are non-flagellated, and all of them can form capsules or spores, unlike Vibrio cholerae.