Microbiology A Systems Approach Test Bank Related

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Study of bacteriological sputum specimens stained by the Ziel-Neelsen method revealed some bright-red acid-resistant bacilli that were found in groups or singularly. When inoculated onto the nutrient media, the signs of their growth show up on the 10-15 day. These bacteria relate to the following family:

  • A. Micobacterium tuberculosis
  • B. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
  • C. Histoplasma dubrosii
  • D. Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
1. Bright-red acid-resistant bacilli indicate the presence of mycolic acids in the cell wall, characteristic of Mycobacterium species.
2. Found in groups or singularly suggests the clumping nature of acid-fast bacilli.
3. Growth appearing after 10-15 days on nutrient media is consistent with the slow growth rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
4. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (B) and Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis (D) are not acid-fast bacilli and do not match the growth characteristics described.
5. Histoplasma dubrosii (C) is a fungus, not a bacterium, and does not exhibit acid-fast staining or the described growth pattern.