Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Sterile Processing Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

Mycobacteria are the correct answer because they are a group of bacteria that are characterized by their rod shape and Gram-positive staining properties. They are known for their unique cell wall structure, which contains mycolic acid, making them resistant to decolorization and distinguishing them from other bacteria. The most notable species within this group that is associated with tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This species causes tuberculosis, a contagious infection that primarily affects the lungs, though it can spread to other parts of the body.

Other options, while they may involve rod-shaped bacteria or Gram-positive characteristics, do not specifically refer to those associated with tuberculosis. Streptococci, for example, are also Gram-positive but are typically spherical in shape and linked to different infections. Aerobes refer to bacteria that require oxygen for growth, which is a metabolic classification rather than a morphological one. Lastly, Enterococci are a type of Gram-positive bacteria but are not related to tuberculosis; they usually inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the specific association of Mycobacteria with tuberculosis makes it the correct choice in this context.