microbiology chapter 13 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 13 test bank related questions and content

Which of the following bacteria produces a toxin that causes botulism?

  • A. Clostridium botulinum
  • B. Clostridium tetani
  • C. Staphylococcus aureus
  • D. Escherichia coli
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum produces the botulinum toxin, which causes botulism. This bacteria thrives in anaerobic environments and can contaminate improperly canned foods. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not botulism. Staphylococcus aureus produces enterotoxins causing food poisoning, not botulism. Escherichia coli can cause food poisoning through various toxins, but not botulism. Therefore, the correct choice is Clostridium botulinum as it specifically produces the botulinum toxin responsible for botulism.