Final answer:
The microorganism with symptoms most like tuberculosis is Mycobacterium bovis. Both it and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are part of the same genus and can cause a respiratory illness affecting primarily the lungs, though it can affect other parts of the body too.
Step-by-step explanation:
The microorganism that causes symptoms most like tuberculosis (TB) is Mycobacterium bovis. Just like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of human TB, Mycobacterium bovis can cause a similar respiratory illness in humans. Both bacteria are members of the Mycobacterium genus, characterized by their waxy mycolic acid coat, which provides protection against some antibiotics and makes them challenging to treat. These bacteria are acid-fast, which is a crucial characteristic used in their identification through staining techniques like the Ziehl-Neelsen method.
TB primarily affects the lungs, however it can also spread to other parts of the body. Mycobacterium bovis is also the causative agent of TB in cattle, and it can be transmitted to humans through infected animal products or direct contact with animals, which is why it's referred to as zoonotic TB.