A laboratory technician opens a culture plate growing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and immediately notices a distinct odor. Which of the following describes the characteristic smell associated with this bacterium?

Explanation

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is well-known for producing a characteristic fruity or grape-like odor, often attributed to the production of 2-aminoacetophenone. This distinctive smell can be a helpful clue in the preliminary identification of the organism in a microbiology laboratory. Other odors are associated with different bacteria (e.g., putrid/foul with anaerobes or Proteus, earthy/musty with Nocardia or some fungi).