Final answer:
b. Clostridium Clostridium species are considered unacceptable on skin growth as they can indicate serious underlying conditions and lead to life-threatening diseases. These anaerobic bacteria form spores that can survive extreme conditions, making infection control in healthcare settings critical.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organism typically considered unacceptable on skin growth is Clostridium. Clostridium species, such as Clostridium difficile, are gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that are obligate anaerobes and can cause severe infections. While species like Diptheroids (Corynebacterium), Micrococcus, and Nisseria can be part of the normal skin flora, Clostridium is not commonly found on healthy skin. Its presence can indicate contamination from fecal matter or a serious underlying condition, potentially leading to life-threatening diseases if they enter the body, especially in hospital settings where they can cause nosocomial infections. Clostridium difficile, for example, causes severe diarrhea and colitis, often after antibiotic treatment has disrupted the normal gut microbiota.
In a hospital environment, organisms like Staphylococcus epidermidis are frequently associated with nosocomial infections transmitted via medical devices. Clostridium species are known for their resistance to harsh conditions due to their ability to form endospores, which can survive even autoclaving temperatures used for sterilization in healthcare settings. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain rigorous infection control practices to prevent the spread of these and other potentially harmful microorganisms.