Question

which bacterium is associated with causing bubonic plague?
streptococcus pneumoniae
yersinia pestis
mycobacterium leprae
bacillus anthracis
question 17 (1 point)
spores of this bacteria have been sent through the postal system as a retaliatory means to some people. when inhaled it is especially bad and could potentially be fatal. the bacterium in question is what?
escherichia coli
actinomyces naelundii
streptococcus mutans
bacillus anthracis

Explanation:

First Question (Bubonic Plague Bacterium)

To determine the bacterium causing bubonic plague, we recall microbiology knowledge:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia.
• Yersinia pestis is known to cause bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague.
• Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy.
• Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax.

To identify the bacterium with spores used in postal attacks:

• Escherichia coli is a gut bacterium, not associated with postal attacks.
• Actinomyces naelundii is oral microbiota, not linked to such attacks.
• Streptococcus mutans causes dental caries.
• Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) has spores that were used in postal attacks (e.g., 2001 anthrax attacks), and inhalation of its spores is highly lethal.

Answer:

B. Yersinia pestis

Second Question (Bacterium with Spores Sent via Post)