A Gram-negative rod that grows on BBE agar is most likely which genus?

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Multiple Choice

A Gram-negative rod that grows on BBE agar is most likely which genus?

BBE agar (bile esculin agar) is designed to isolate Bacteroides fragilis group bacteria. These organisms tolerate bile and hydrolyze esculin, which causes darkening around the colonies on the medium. A Gram-negative rod that grows on this medium fits best with Bacteroides, since other options either are not anaerobic rods or do not have the characteristic esculin hydrolysis on bile-containing medium. Therefore, the genus most likely is Bacteroides.

BBE agar (bile esculin agar) is designed to isolate Bacteroides fragilis group bacteria. These organisms tolerate bile and hydrolyze esculin, which causes darkening around the colonies on the medium. A Gram-negative rod that grows on this medium fits best with Bacteroides, since other options either are not anaerobic rods or do not have the characteristic esculin hydrolysis on bile-containing medium. Therefore, the genus most likely is Bacteroides.

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