A Microbiologist Is Looking at a Sheep Blood Agar (SBA)

question 13

Multiple Choice

A microbiologist is looking at a sheep blood agar (SBA) plate from a patient who might have been exposed to a biological agent. The colonies are nonhemolytic, large, have a ground-glass appearance, and look like a Medusa's head. On Gram stain, the colonies are large gram-positive rods that seem to have central spores. What is the most probable organism?

• A) Bacillus anthracis
• B) Brucella mallei
• C) Burkholderia cepacia
• D) Yersinia pestis

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Definitions:

Digestive System

The system of organs responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste from the body.

Large Intestine

The last part of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system in vertebrates, responsible for water absorption and the transmission of waste material.

Saliva

A watery fluid produced by the salivary glands in the mouth, essential for chewing and digestion.

Mucus

A viscous, slippery secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes.