What is the most likely organism found in a bloody stool sample with certain biochemical results indicating non-lactose-fermenting colonies?

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

The organism most likely found in a bloody stool sample with specified biochemical results indicating non-lactose-fermenting colonies is Shigella spp. This is due to Shigella being a well-known pathogenic bacterium that causes dysentery, which is characterized by bloody diarrhea. In the laboratory, Shigella typically does not ferment lactose, which leads to the formation of non-lactose-fermenting colonies on selective media like MacConkey agar.

Shigella has a low infectious dose and is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Its biochemical profile often aligns with that of lactose non-fermenters and allows for its identification in stool samples, especially in cases of bloody diarrhea that suggest a bacterial infection.

In summary, the consistent association of Shigella spp. with bloody stool and its non-lactose-fermenting characteristic aligns well with the conditions outlined in the question, making it the most likely organism in such scenarios.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy