For each of the following diseases or conditions, indicate the genus (or genera) of bacterium that causes it.


___ Scalded skin syndrome
___ Osteomyelitis
___ Pharyngitis
___ Scarlet fever
___ Pyoderma
___ Rheumatic fever
___ Glomerulonephritis
___ Sinusitis
___ Otitis media
___ Anthrax
___ Myonecrosis
___ Diphtheria
___ Leprosy
___ Dental caries
___ Acne




A. Staphylococcus
B. Streptococcus
C. Mycobacterium
D. Listeria
E. Propionibacterium
F. Corynebacterium
G. Bacillus
H. Clostridium
I. Actinomyces

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the diseases and their common bacterial causes by reviewing the typical pathogens associated with each condition. For example, Scalded skin syndrome is commonly caused by a genus known for producing exfoliative toxins.
2. Step 2: Match each disease to the genus of bacteria that is most frequently responsible. For instance, Osteomyelitis is often caused by bacteria that can infect bone tissue, so identify which genus fits this profile.
3. Step 3: Use knowledge of bacterial characteristics and disease pathology to assign the correct genus. For example, Pharyngitis and Scarlet fever are often caused by the same genus known for throat infections and toxin production.
4. Step 4: For diseases like Anthrax and Myonecrosis, recall the specific genera known for producing spores or toxins that cause these severe conditions.
5. Step 5: Cross-check each disease-genus pair with the provided list (A through I) to ensure the genus matches the disease's typical bacterial cause, considering the unique features of each genus such as cell wall type, toxin production, and typical infection sites.

Key Concepts

Bacterial Genus and Disease Association

Many bacterial diseases are caused by specific genera, each with characteristic pathogenic mechanisms. Understanding which genus causes a particular disease helps in diagnosis and treatment. For example, Staphylococcus often causes skin infections, while Streptococcus is linked to throat infections and rheumatic fever.

Pathogenesis and Clinical Manifestations of Bacterial Infections

Different bacteria cause distinct clinical syndromes based on their virulence factors and tissue tropism. For instance, Clostridium species produce toxins causing myonecrosis, while Mycobacterium causes chronic infections like leprosy. Recognizing symptoms helps correlate diseases with their bacterial causes.

Microbial Taxonomy and Identification

Bacterial classification into genera is based on morphology, staining, metabolism, and genetics. Knowing key traits of genera like Corynebacterium (diphtheria) or Bacillus (anthrax) aids in identifying the causative agent. This foundational knowledge is essential for linking diseases to their bacterial genera.