What is the identification of an anaerobic gram-positive bacillus found in a surgical site infection with noted sensitivity and resistance criteria?

Get ready for the Harr Microbiology Test. Leverage flashcards, multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam preparation!

The identification of Clostridium perfringens as the anaerobic gram-positive bacillus in a surgical site infection is appropriate due to its well-documented association with soft tissue infections, particularly in contexts such as trauma or surgical procedures. Clostridium perfringens is known for being a common pathogen involved in gas gangrene, which can occur in wounds and surgical sites.

This bacterium is characterized by its ability to produce various toxins, which contribute to its virulence in infected tissues. In a clinical setting, identifying Clostridium perfringens is crucial because it helps guide antibiotic therapy and informs surgical management. The sensitivity and resistance patterns associated with this organism are key factors in treatment; C. perfringens is typically sensitive to penicillin and some other antibiotics but can show resistance to others, depending on the strain and environment.

In contrast, while other options may involve anaerobic bacteria, they do not share the same clinical significance in surgical site infections. Clostridium botulinum, for example, is primarily associated with foodborne illness and botulism rather than surgical infections. Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative bacterium, not a gram-positive bacillus, and is associated with wound infections following exposure to seaw

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy