An Epidemiologic Study Is Conducted After a Sudden Increase in the Rate

An epidemiologic study is conducted after a sudden increase in the rate of severe postoperative infections in a rural hospital.  It is determined that all the patients who developed the infection were operated on with surgical instruments sterilized by a specific autoclave machine.  The machine was found to be inadequately sterilizing the equipment due to a malfunction limiting the temperature to 100 C (212 F) during the 15 minute cycle.  These patients most likely developed infection from which of the following bacteria?

A) Brucella melitensis
B) Clostridium perfringens
C) Escherichia coli
D) Listeria monocytogenes
E) Streptococcus pyogenes

Correct Answer:

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