What is the origin of the name given to the Salmonella genus of bacteria? A: It was first isolated from the tissues of salmon; B: It is named for microbiologist D. E. Salmon; or C: It produced pink “salmon-like” colonies.

ANSWER: The Salmonella genus is named for microbiologist and veterinary surgeon Daniel E. Salmon. Dr. Salmon’s research assistant Theobald Smith actually discovered and isolated the first strain of Salmonella in 1885 and named it after his boss. Since 1885, more than 2,300 serotypes of Salmonella have been identified.

originally published 07/28/2010

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