Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Exam Practice Question

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Tuberculosis is caused by **Mycobacterium tuberculosis**, a bacterium specifically adapted to infect humans.

- **A: Candida** refers to a genus of fungi, not bacteria, and is associated with yeast infections, not tuberculosis.
- **B: Escherichia** typically relates to Escherichia coli, a bacterium commonly found in the intestines, known for causing gastrointestinal issues, not TB.
- **D: Staphylococcus** includes bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause skin infections and other conditions, but not tuberculosis.
- **E: Streptococcus** encompasses a group of bacteria that can lead to various infections, including strep throat, but does not cause tuberculosis.

Thus, Mycobacterium is the only organism among the options that is responsible for tuberculosis.