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Microbiology Lab Assignment
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This is a letter for a microbiology assignment that identifies a bacteria that was cultured.
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354 Bacillus Avenue, KocuriaBIOTRACE +1 (499)-546-0912
LABORATORIES biotrace@laboratories.com
Dear
Isabella Fields, April 3, 2024
Our laboratory has completed testing on the unknown organism labeled “Thing” found in the
water supply of your strawberry farm. The first test we performed was the Gram stain test, which
revealed that the bacteria was Gram negative with a singular rod shape when viewed under a
microscope. This narrowed the possible species down to Escherichia coli and Rhodosprillum
rubrum. Lactose fermentation tests were performed on MacConkey agar and Eosin Methylene Blue
agar plates, as well as glucose fermentation in phenol red broth, all showing positive results. The
bacteria were also inoculated into SIM media to investigate their motility, indole production, and
sulfur reduction abilities. Results of the SIM media indicated that the organism was motile, could
not reduce sulfur, and could produce indole. The lactose, glucose, and SIM media tests shows that
the unknown organism is must not be Rhodosprillum rubrum as it is a species that is unable to
ferment lactose or glucose and is negative for indole. Based on the results of all of these tests, we
are confident that the sample you sent us contains Escherichia coli, as all of the results match its
characteristics.
In most cases, strains of Escherichia coli found in healthy adults does not cause disease
(University of Arizona, 2021). Although, some strains may cause symptoms such as diarrhea,
stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Fortunately, most individuals will be able to recover from
an Escherichia coli infection within a week. However, there is unfortunately, an increased risk of
kidney failure occurring in older adults and in younger children (Mayo Clinic, 2022). To ensure the
safety of your customers, we recommend treating your water supply with chlorine, ultraviolet light,
or ozone to disinfect it and ensure it is safe for use on strawberries at Sweet Harvest Acres
(Hancock, 2022). Additionally, it is advisable to subject all harvested strawberries to ionizing
radiation such as gamma rays to eliminate various microbes, including Escherichia coli (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Furthermore, storing strawberries in a refrigerator will
inhibit the growth of any remaining Escherichia coli cells, given that it is a mesophilic bacterium
(Ferrer, et al., 2003). Lastly, to control bacterial contamination effectively, it is crucial to wash all
strawberries immediately after harvesting to remove microbial cells.
Thank you for choosing our company. We hope that this information provides you with what you
need to take care of the growth in your water supply to keep your customers safe and healthy. If
you need anything else regarding suspicious microbial growths let us know and we would love to
help.
Sincerly,
Carlie White
Carlie White, CEO of BioTrace Laboratories
, Biochemical Test Table on “Thing” (An Unknown Bacteria)
Test Media Result
Gram Stain Negative
Cell Morphology and Arrangement Single Bacillus (Rods)
Colony Morphology TSA Plate Irregular, Raised, Undulate
Aerotolerance Test Thioglycollate Broth Facultative Anaerobe
Catalase Production Test TSA Slant with Hydrogen Peroxide Positive
Lactose Fermentation Test MacConkey Agar Plate Positive
Lactose Fermentation Test Eosin Methylene Blue Agar Plate Positive
Glucose Fermentation Test Phenol Red Broth Positive
Glucose Fermentation Pathway MR-VP Broth MR – Positive
Test VP – Negative
Citrate Utilization Test Simmons Slant Negative
Motility Test SIM Media Positive
Sulphur Reduction Test SIM Media Negative
Indole Production Test SIM Media with Kovac’s Reagent Positive
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