A 23-year old medical student arrives in the student health clinic complaining of difficult in swallowing, sore throat, and chills. Upon examination, she is found to be running a fever and has white patches on her tonsils. A throat swab is positive for streptococcus pyogenes (group A). A diagnosis of acute pharyngitis is made. Her past medical history is unremarkable except an anaphylactic reaction to cefaclor two years ago. Which of the following would be a safe alternative for treating?

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microbiology chapter 14 test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A 23-year old medical student arrives in the student health clinic complaining of difficult in swallowing, sore throat, and chills. Upon examination, she is found to be running a fever and has white patches on her tonsils. A throat swab is positive for streptococcus pyogenes (group A). A diagnosis of acute pharyngitis is made. Her past medical history is unremarkable except an anaphylactic reaction to cefaclor two years ago. Which of the following would be a safe alternative for treating?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clindamycin. Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that is safe to use in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to beta-lactam antibiotics like cefaclor. Clindamycin is effective against streptococcus pyogenes and is a suitable alternative in this case. Amoxicillin (choice A) is a beta-lactam antibiotic similar to cefaclor and may cause a cross-reactive allergic reaction. Meropenem (choice B) is a carbapenem antibiotic and not typically used for acute pharyngitis. Cephalexin (choice C) is a cephalosporin antibiotic and may also cause cross-reactivity in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to cefaclor.

Question 2 of 9

Which bacteria are responsible for causing the disease known as syphilis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Treponema pallidum. This bacterium is responsible for causing syphilis due to its unique spiral shape and ability to penetrate intact mucous membranes. It is transmitted through sexual contact or from mother to child during pregnancy. Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia, and Escherichia coli is a common bacterium found in the gut and not associated with syphilis. Treponema pallidum's specific characteristics and mode of transmission distinguish it from the other choices, making it the correct answer.

Question 3 of 9

The main structure components of Viruses are:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nucleic acid and proteins. Viruses contain genetic material in the form of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. This genetic material carries instructions for viral replication. Proteins are also essential components of viruses, serving various functions like facilitating viral entry into host cells. Option A is incorrect as lipids are not main components of viruses. Option B is incorrect as lipids are not typically found in the main structure of viruses. Option D is incorrect as lipids are not primary components of viruses, and glycoproteins are not always present in the main structure of viruses.

Question 4 of 9

In the micropreparation made from patient's regional lymph node punctate and stained according to Romanovsky-Giemsa method, the doctor found out thin microorganisms with 12-14 equal ringlets and pale- pink sharp pointes 10-13 mkm in length. The pathogen of what disease is it about?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The thin microorganisms described with 12-14 equal ringlets and pale-pink sharp points are characteristic of Borrelia spirochetes, the causative agent of relapsing fever. The ringlet appearance corresponds to the characteristic coiled structure of Borrelia spirochetes. The length of 10-13 mkm falls within the typical size range of Borrelia spirochetes. This pathogen is commonly identified in Romanovsky-Giemsa stained samples from patients with relapsing fever. Summary of other choices: A: Leishmaniasis - Leishmania parasites are larger and do not have the described ringlets or pale-pink sharp points. B: Leptospirosis - Leptospira bacteria are not described as having ringlets or pale-pink sharp points. C: Surra - Surra is caused by Trypanosoma evansi, and the description does not match the characteristics of this parasite.

Question 5 of 9

Fungi that help the roots of plants to absorb minerals and water from the soil are:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae are symbiotic fungi that form a mutualistic relationship with plant roots, aiding in the absorption of minerals and water. They enhance the plant's nutrient uptake capacity, promoting plant growth and health. Decomposers (A) break down dead organic matter, yeasts (C) are single-celled fungi used in fermentation, and molds (D) are fungi that grow in multicellular filaments. These options do not specifically assist plant roots in mineral and water absorption like mycorrhizae do.

Question 6 of 9

Viruses that are mainly transmitted through sexual contact are:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Papillomaviruses. Papillomaviruses are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, as they infect the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area. This transmission route is well-documented through research and epidemiological studies. Arenaviruses (A) are primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, not sexual contact. Togaviruses (B) are mainly transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. Polyomaviruses (D) are typically spread through respiratory secretions or contaminated urine, not through sexual contact. Therefore, the most appropriate choice for viruses transmitted mainly through sexual contact is Papillomaviruses (C).

Question 7 of 9

Some of the viruses have a cubic type of symmetry, which in the shape of

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: icosahedral structure. Icosahedral symmetry is common in viruses due to its efficient packing of genetic material. It consists of 20 equilateral triangular faces and 12 vertices. This symmetry allows viruses to have a stable structure and optimal capacity for encapsulating their genetic material. A: Tetrahedral structure is incorrect as it consists of 4 faces and is not commonly found in viruses. B: Hexahedral structure is incorrect as it consists of 6 faces and is not a common symmetry type in viruses. C: Dodecahedral structure is incorrect as it consists of 12 faces and is not typically seen in viruses. In summary, the icosahedral structure is the correct choice due to its stability, efficient packing, and common presence in viral structures compared to the other options.

Question 8 of 9

A patient who has recently come from an endemic area presents with elevated body temperature, headache, chills, malaise, that is with the symptoms which are typical for a common cold. What laboratory tests are necessary to confirm or to refute the diagnosis of malaria?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Microscopy of blood smears. Malaria diagnosis is confirmed by identifying the Plasmodium parasite in a blood smear. This step is crucial as it directly visualizes the causative agent. The other choices are incorrect as they do not directly detect malaria parasites. B: Studying lymph node punctate is not specific for malaria. C: Urinalysis does not show malaria parasites. D: Studying cerebrospinal fluid is used to diagnose conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, not malaria.

Question 9 of 9

After continuous treatment with antibiotics a patient got symptoms of stomatitis. Examination of specimens of oral mucous membrane revealed some oval polymorphous Gram-positive microorganisms arranged in clusters. What microorganism may be the cause of such manifestations?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: S.aureus. Stomatitis is commonly caused by S.aureus due to its ability to form clusters of oval polymorphous Gram-positive microorganisms. S.aureus is known to colonize the oral mucous membrane and can cause infections, especially after prolonged antibiotic use. Explanation for other choices: A: С.albicans - Candida albicans is a fungus commonly associated with oral thrush, not typically causing stomatitis. B: C.perfringens - Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium associated with food poisoning and gas gangrene, not commonly causing stomatitis. D: S.pyogenes - Streptococcus pyogenes is known to cause strep throat and skin infections, but not typically associated with stomatitis.

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