In 1876, Robert Koch published a life history and sporulation study of which bacterium?

• A. Vibrio cholerae
• B. Bacillus anthracis
• C. Escherichia coli
• D. Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Answer: (B)

Bacillus anthracis is the bacterium known for forming endospores, and in 1876 Robert Koch described its life cycle including sporulation. This work showed how the organism can enter a dormant, highly resistant spore form and later revive to cause disease, highlighting how specific microbes have distinct developmental cycles and can persist in harsh environments. The other organisms listed do not exhibit this classic sporulation pattern as part of their normal life cycles, so this study point was specific to Bacillus anthracis.