Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam

The identification of the type of bacteria in an anthrax gram stain centers around the characteristics of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. Bacillus anthracis is classified as a gram-positive bacterium, meaning it retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining process, appearing purple under a microscope. Additionally, these bacilli (rods) are nonmotile, which is a key distinguishing feature of this bacterium. The presence of these gram-positive, nonmotile rods in a sample indicates the specific infection caused by anthrax. Other choices present different categories of bacteria, such as gram-negative bacteria or cocci shapes, which do not apply to Bacillus anthracis. This differentiation is crucial in clinical microbiology for accurate identification and treatment of infections.