Which one of the following bacteria is oxidase positive ?a) Vibriob) Pseudomonasc) Clostridiumd) E.coli

## **Core Concept**
The question tests knowledge of bacterial identification techniques, specifically the oxidase test. The oxidase test is used to determine if an organism possesses the cytochrome c oxidase enzyme, which is a component of the electron transport chain. This test is crucial in differentiating between various bacterial species based on their enzymatic activity.

## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **B. Pseudomonas**, is oxidase positive. Pseudomonas species, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are known to be oxidase positive due to the presence of cytochrome c oxidase. This characteristic is one of the key tests used in the identification of Pseudomonas in the laboratory. The oxidase test involves applying a cytochrome c oxidase reagent to the bacterial isolate; a color change to purple or dark blue indicates a positive result.

## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A: Vibrio** - While Vibrio species are indeed oxidase positive, the question seems to seek a more commonly emphasized example in medical microbiology, and both Vibrio and Pseudomonas are correct in their context. However, given that both a and b can be correct based on their oxidase-positive nature, let's evaluate the rest.
- **Option C: Clostridium** - Clostridium species are anaerobic, Gram-positive, spore-forming rods. They are not typically identified using the oxidase test because they do not have a cytochrome c oxidase enzyme that is accessible or active in the way aerobic bacteria do. This makes Clostridium oxidase negative.
- **Option D: E.coli** - E. coli, being a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, is generally oxidase negative. This is a key characteristic used to differentiate it from oxidase-positive bacteria.

## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A high-yield fact to remember is that **Pseudomonas aeruginosa**, a common pathogen in healthcare-associated infections, is not only oxidase positive but also exhibits a distinctive blue-green pigment (pyocyanin) and has a sweet, corn tortilla-like odor. These characteristics, along with its oxidase positivity, make it identifiable in the lab.

## **Correct Answer: B. Pseudomonas**