Microbiology An Evolving Science Test Bank Related

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Microscopy of stained (Ziehl-Neelsen staining) smears taken from the sputum of a patient with chronic pulmonary disease revealed red bacilli. What property of tuberculous bacillus was shown up?

  • A. Acid resistance
  • B. Alkali resistance
  • C. Alcohol resistance
  • D. Capsule formation
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acid resistance. Tuberculous bacilli are acid-fast bacilli, meaning they resist decolorization by acid-alcohol after staining with Ziehl-Neelsen stain. This property is due to the high lipid content in the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Alkali resistance (B) and alcohol resistance (C) are not specific properties of tuberculous bacilli. Capsule formation (D) is a characteristic of some bacteria but is not a defining feature of tuberculous bacilli.