Tropheryma whipplei is the causative agent for Whipple's disease. It could not be cultured until recently, when the genomic data showed:
A) it was auxotrophic for some amino acids
B) it was an obligate intracellular pathogen
C) it needed a helper virus to grow
D) it needed high levels of iron
E) it is a virus that needed cell culture

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that Tropheryma whipplei is auxotrophic for some amino acids means it cannot synthesize them on its own and therefore relies on external sources for survival. This was a crucial piece of information that allowed for the development of a cultivation medium that could support its growth in vitro.

Tropheryma Whipplei Is the Causative Agent for Whipple's Disease