The 'Medusa head' appearance of colonies on blood agar is a characteristic culture finding for which bacterium?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Bacillus anthracis
Bacillus anthracis colonies are non-hemolytic, grey-white, and have a dry, 'ground glass' appearance. Under low-power magnification, the edges of the colony show long, wavy chains of bacilli resembling a 'Medusa head'.
Keep practicing
More Bacterial Infections questions
- Which histological feature is the hallmark of a 'Ghon focus' in primary tuberculosis?
- What is the primary mechanism of tissue damage in infections caused by Clostridium perfringens (Gas Gangrene)?
- The 'Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome' is a catastrophic complication of septicemia most commonly associated with which organism?
- Which bacterial infection is characterized by the formation of 'sulfur granules' within abscesses, typically in the cervicofacial region?
- A 10-year-old child presents with a 'strawberry tongue' and a sandpaper-like skin rash following a sore throat. What is the causative agent?
- Which of the following describes the characteristic intestinal lesion seen in Typhoid Fever (Salmonella typhi)?