Consider two isolates, A and B. Microbe A had an LD₅₀ of 5 * 10⁴, while microbe B recorded an LD₅₀ of 5 *10⁷. Which isolate is more virulent?
A) unable to know based on information provided
B) microbe A
C) microbe B
D) They are equally virulent.
E) The values indicate that neither one is virulent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Microbe A is more virulent because it requires a lower dose (5 * 10⁴) to kill 50% of the host population compared to microbe B, which requires a higher dose (5 * 10⁷). Lower LD₅₀ values indicate higher virulence.

Consider Two Isolates, a and B