Which of the following bacteria is associated with bright red fluorescence under UV light?
## Core Concept
The question tests knowledge of bacteria that exhibit unique properties under ultraviolet (UV) light. Certain bacteria can produce compounds that fluoresce when exposed to UV light, which is a characteristic used in their identification.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, **C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa**, is associated with bright red fluorescence under UV light due to the production of a pigment called pyoverdine (also known as fluorescein). Pyoverdine is a siderophore that helps the bacteria acquire iron from the environment. When excited by UV light, pyoverdine emits a fluorescent light, typically in the blue-green to yellow-green spectrum, but in certain contexts, it might be described as appearing bright red or more accurately, fluorescent.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** *Staphylococcus aureus* does not have a well-known association with fluorescence under UV light. It can produce pigments like staphyloxanthin, but this does not result in fluorescence.
- **Option B:** *Escherichia coli* does not exhibit fluorescence under UV light as a characteristic feature. Some strains may show fluorescence due to specific plasmids or genetic modifications, but this is not a natural characteristic.
- **Option D:** *Bacillus subtilis* does not have a notable association with UV fluorescence. It can produce spores that are resistant to UV light, but it does not fluoresce.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that **Pseudomonas aeruginosa** can be identified in clinical microbiology labs through its ability to produce pyoverdine, which fluoresces under UV light. This characteristic is often used in the identification process of this bacterium, particularly in respiratory and wound infections.
## Correct Answer: C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa.