Taxonomy check: Which of the following genera are classified within the family Enterobacteriaceae?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Enterobacteriaceae is a medically important family of Gram-negative rods. Recognizing which genera belong to this family streamlines laboratory identification, epidemiology discussions, and antimicrobial considerations.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The options include Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia.
  • Taxonomic placement is at the family level.
  • Vibrio is provided as a plausible distractor from a different family.



Concept / Approach:
Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia are all members of Enterobacteriaceae. They share family traits such as being oxidase-negative, glucose-fermenting (with exceptions in specific sugars), and facultatively anaerobic rods. Vibrio belongs to Vibrionaceae and differs (e.g., oxidase-positive, curved rods, halophilic tendencies).



Step-by-Step Solution:
Review canonical Enterobacteriaceae genera. Confirm Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia as included. Exclude Vibrio as a non-enteric family member. Choose “All of these.”



Verification / Alternative check:
Standard microbiology references and identification manuals list these genera under Enterobacteriaceae and outline their shared biochemical features.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Any single genus alone is incomplete.
  • Vibrio: Not in Enterobacteriaceae; oxidase-positive curved rods.



Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all enteric pathogens are Enterobacteriaceae; for example, Campylobacter and Vibrio are enteric but from other families.



Final Answer:
All of these.


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