One of the following bacteria has the capability to form spores:

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

The question asks to identify a spore-forming bacterium from the given options.
Clostridium is a genus of Gram-positive, anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria.
A key characteristic of the Clostridium genus is the production of endospores, which are highly resistant, dormant structures.
This spore-forming ability allows them to survive in harsh environments and is a major factor in the pathogenesis of diseases like tetanus (C. tetani) and gas gangrene (C. perfringens).

Option A: This term describes a cellular arrangement (cocci in pairs), not a specific genus. It is a morphological characteristic, and bacteria exhibiting this shape (like Neisseria) are typically non-spore-formers.
Option B: Neisseria is a genus of Gram-negative diplococci that are incapable of forming spores. They are known for causing diseases like meningitis and gonorrhea.
Option C: Vibrio is a genus of Gram-negative, comma-shaped bacteria. The most well-known species, Vibrio cholerae, does not form spores.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Bacterial spore formation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The spore-forming ability of Clostridium, particularly C. difficile, is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Because spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers, nurses must perform hand hygiene with soap and water after caring for a patient with a C. difficile infection to physically remove the spores.
Environmental cleaning in rooms of patients with C. difficile requires sporicidal agents (like bleach-based disinfectants) as routine cleaners are ineffective.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'spore formation' in bacteria.
Recall the two major medically important genera of bacteria known for forming endospores: Bacillus (aerobic) and Clostridium (anaerobic).
Scan the given options to see if either of these genera is listed.
Option D is 'Clostridium', which matches one of the key spore-forming genera.
Briefly evaluate the other options to confirm they are incorrect. 'Diplococci' is a shape, not a genus. 'Neisseria' and 'Vibrio' are well-known non-spore-forming genera.
This process of elimination and direct recall confirms that Clostridium is the only spore-forming bacterium among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QItpjW1rGk3A9PPM3ApOik

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 1 p. 84-86

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 387-389

Practise the full IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.