microbiology an introduction tortora test bank Related

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A wound swab from a patient with a deep tissue infection revealed Gram-positive rods with terminal spores. What is the most likely causative agent?

  • A. Clostridium perfringens
  • B. Bacillus anthracis
  • C. Clostridium tetani
  • D. Bacillus cereus
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium perfringens. This is because Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive rod bacterium that forms terminal spores. It is commonly associated with deep tissue infections and can cause gas gangrene. Bacillus anthracis (B) causes anthrax and does not typically form spores at the terminal end. Clostridium tetani (C) causes tetanus and Bacillus cereus (D) is more commonly associated with food poisoning. In this case, the presence of terminal spores along with the clinical presentation of a deep tissue infection points towards Clostridium perfringens as the most likely causative agent.