To establish a link between a specific bacterium and a skin disease, researchers have shown that the bacterium was present in sick persons but not in healthy individuals. They isolated the bacterium in a pure culture and demonstrated that experimental healthy animals injected with this culture became sick. What other experiment do researchers need to perform to be absolutely sure that the bacterium is responsible for the disease?
A) demonstrate that the bacterium belongs to the pathogenic lineage
B) demonstrate that the bacterium is not able to live outside of humans or animals
C) isolate bacterium from an infected sick animal and demonstrate that it is the same bacterium as the one used for infection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Isolating the bacterium from an infected animal and demonstrating that it is the same bacterium used for infection would confirm that the specific bacterium is responsible for the disease. This would rule out the possibility that another bacterium is causing the disease in the sick persons and animals. A is not necessary since the presence of the bacterium in sick individuals suggests its pathogenicity. B is not relevant in determining the bacterium's role in causing the disease.

To Establish a Link Between a Specific Bacterium and a Skin