Which term describes animals whose microbial flora is completely known?

Which term describes animals whose microbial flora is completely known?

• A. Gnotobiotes
• B. Conventional animals
• C. Axenic animals
• D. Germ-free animals

Answer: (A)

Gnotobiotes describe animals whose microbial flora is completely known. In these animals, every microorganism present is identified and defined, often by inoculation with a known consortium or by maintaining them in a controlled environment where all microbes are characterized. This stands in contrast to conventional animals that carry a mixed, undefined microbiota, and to axenic or germ-free animals that have no detectable microorganisms at all. The defining idea is having a fully described, known microbial status, which is exactly what “completely known” signifies.

Gnotobiotes describe animals whose microbial flora is completely known. In these animals, every microorganism present is identified and defined, often by inoculation with a known consortium or by maintaining them in a controlled environment where all microbes are characterized. This stands in contrast to conventional animals that carry a mixed, undefined microbiota, and to axenic or germ-free animals that have no detectable microorganisms at all. The defining idea is having a fully described, known microbial status, which is exactly what “completely known” signifies.