Which species includes common contaminants and is the causative agent of anthrax?

Which species includes common contaminants and is the causative agent of anthrax?

• A. Escherichia
• B. Corynebacterium
• C. Bacillus
• D. Enterobacter

Answer: (C)

Bacillus is the genus known for forming durable endospores, which makes these bacteria common environmental contaminants that can persist in samples and on equipment. Within this genus, Bacillus anthracis is the species that causes anthrax, tying the idea of a common contaminant to a serious disease agent. That combination—environmental persistence plus the specific pathogen behind anthrax—is why this option fits best. The other genera listed are not linked to anthrax in the same way, and while they include real bacteria, they don’t represent the causative agent of anthrax.

Bacillus is the genus known for forming durable endospores, which makes these bacteria common environmental contaminants that can persist in samples and on equipment. Within this genus, Bacillus anthracis is the species that causes anthrax, tying the idea of a common contaminant to a serious disease agent. That combination—environmental persistence plus the specific pathogen behind anthrax—is why this option fits best. The other genera listed are not linked to anthrax in the same way, and while they include real bacteria, they don’t represent the causative agent of anthrax.