Question

All of the following statements regarding the pathogens that cause tetanus, anthrax, and botulism are correct except:

Answer 1

Answer:

b. all three pathogens are obligate anaerobes.

Explanation:

Tetanus is caused by an exotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is normally found in the soil, although it may be present in the intestines of mammals. It is an anoxic and spore-forming bacteria. It enters the body through wounds or deep punctures, finding in the wound the anoxic conditions to germinate its spores, producing its potent toxin.

Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which is a stationary and endospore-forming bacteria that is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. It is a strictly aerobic bacterium and can be found naturally in the soil. Both animals and humans can breathe or ingest spores of this bacterium by consuming meat or contaminated water. When spores get into the body, their turn into active cells and produce exotoxins

Botulism is caused by the pathogen Clostridium botulinum, a strict anaerobic bacillus, producing endospores and 8 different types of toxins. Being a soil-borne bacterium, it usually appears in the food of animal and vegetable origin.