Which sequence best describes Koch's postulates for showing that a microbe causes a disease?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Find it in every case, grow it in culture, show it causes disease in a healthy host, and re-isolate it
- Step 1: The microbe must be present in all cases of the disease.
- Step 2: It must be isolated and grown in pure culture, then cause the disease when put into a healthy host.
- Step 3: It must be re-isolated from the newly infected host.
Answer
found, cultured, infects a healthy host, re-isolated.
Why not the others: Healthy hosts and harmless microbes contradict the postulates; antibiotics are not part of them; skin or food sources are not the test.
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