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Which of the following microorganisms are acid-fast?

  • A. Streptococcus pyogenes
  • B. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • C. Clostridium perfringens
  • D. Bacillus subtilis
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Acid-fast bacteria have a unique cell wall component called mycolic acid, making them resistant to decolorization by acid-alcohol during staining. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is acid-fast, as it retains the stain due to its high lipid content. Streptococcus pyogenes (A), Clostridium perfringens (C), and Bacillus subtilis (D) do not possess mycolic acid in their cell walls, so they are not acid-fast.