Success! In Clinical Laboratory Science – Bacteriology Practice Test

Which mycobacteria has an optimal growth temperature of 30-32°C?

M. ulcerans M. avium complex M. bovis M. xenopi

Correct Answer:

M. ulcerans

Explanation:

Some mycobacteria have distinct optimal growth temperatures that reflect their ecological niches. M. ulcerans grows best at about 30–32°C, which is cooler than the human body’s core temperature and explains why it is typically cultured around 30°C. This cooler preference matches its environmental habit and the slower, temperature-tolerant growth observed in laboratories. In contrast, the other species listed generally prefer body temperature around 37°C to grow well, so they do not thrive at 30–32°C. M. xenopi tends to grow best at higher temperatures (around 42°C), while M. avium complex and M. bovis favor near 37°C. Thus, the organism with an optimal growth temperature of 30–32°C is M. ulcerans.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to Success! In Clinical Laboratory Science – Bacteriology Practice Test for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions