A 38-year-old male complains of tonic tension of the masticatory muscles, so that he cannot open his mouth. 12 days before, he was bitten by an unknown dog. Objectively: there is pronounced tension and twitching of the masticatory muscles. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Microbiology Basic and Clinical Principles Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A 38-year-old male complains of tonic tension of the masticatory muscles, so that he cannot open his mouth. 12 days before, he was bitten by an unknown dog. Objectively: there is pronounced tension and twitching of the masticatory muscles. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetanus. The symptoms of tonic tension of the masticatory muscles following a dog bite are indicative of tetanus, caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The incubation period of tetanus is usually 3-21 days, consistent with the patient's history of being bitten 12 days ago. Tetanus toxin causes muscle stiffness and spasms, leading to the inability to open the mouth. Rabies (B) presents with hydrophobia and neurological symptoms. Hysteria (C) is a psychological condition. Trigeminal neuralgia (D) is characterized by severe facial pain, not muscle stiffness.

Question 2 of 9

The fluidlike portion of a cell is referred to as:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: cytoplasmic membrane. The cytoplasmic membrane is the fluidlike portion of a cell that separates the cell's contents from the external environment. It regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell, maintains cell shape, and provides protection. Rationale: 1. Cytosol (choice A) is the liquid component of the cytoplasm where organelles are suspended, not the fluidlike portion of the cell. 2. Nucleoplasm (choice B) refers to the liquid component of the nucleus, not the entire cell. 3. Inclusion (choice D) refers to non-living substances within the cell that are not considered the fluidlike portion. Summary: The cytoplasmic membrane is the correct answer as it encompasses the entire cell and is responsible for maintaining cell integrity and regulating transport. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the fluidlike portion of the cell.

Question 3 of 9

Patients after splenectomy are of high risk of infections caused by:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: After a splenectomy, patients are at high risk of infections caused by encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella. The spleen plays a crucial role in the immune response against encapsulated bacteria, and its absence increases susceptibility to these specific pathogens. Therefore, all choices are correct as patients are at risk of infections from all three types of bacteria mentioned.

Question 4 of 9

The term infection is equivalent to:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Infectious process. The term "infection" refers to the invasion of a host organism's body tissues by disease-causing agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It encompasses the entire process from the initial entry of the pathogen to the host's response and resolution. Choice B, "Infectious disease," is incorrect as it specifically refers to the clinical manifestation of an infection. Choice C is irrelevant, and Choice D is incorrect as the term "infection" is indeed equivalent to the infectious process.

Question 5 of 9

A patient with a sore throat and fever had a throat culture revealing Gram-positive cocci in chains. The bacteria were beta-hemolytic. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. 1. Gram-positive cocci in chains suggest streptococci. 2. Beta-hemolytic activity indicates Streptococcus pyogenes. 3. Streptococcus pyogenes is commonly associated with sore throat (pharyngitis) and fever. 4. Streptococcus pneumoniae (choice B) is alpha-hemolytic and mainly causes pneumonia. 5. Enterococcus faecalis (choice C) is not typically associated with sore throat. 6. Staphylococcus aureus (choice D) is not commonly beta-hemolytic and is not a typical cause of pharyngitis.

Question 6 of 9

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are caused by

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: prions. Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Prions are not viruses like flavoviruses (A) or orthomyxoviruses (D). Virusoids (B) are small, circular, single-stranded RNA molecules that require a helper virus to replicate and are not associated with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Therefore, the correct answer is C as prions are the only choice that correctly links to the etiology of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Question 7 of 9

Ribosomes are a target for antibiotics:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ribosomes are the target for antibiotics as they interfere with protein synthesis in bacteria. Aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, and lincosamides all target ribosomes by inhibiting protein synthesis at different stages. Beta-lactam antibiotics target cell wall synthesis, not ribosomes. Antifolate compounds, quinolones, and raspicin target DNA synthesis and replication, not ribosomes. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it includes antibiotics that specifically target ribosomes for inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

Question 8 of 9

The organism that is responsible for the vast majority of cases of fungal vaginitis is:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium is not a fungus, but a common skin bacteria. Fungal vaginitis is typically caused by Candida albicans or other fungal species, not by bacteria like Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, or Klebsiella oxytoca. Propionibacterium acnes is not associated with vaginal infections, making it the correct answer in this context.

Question 9 of 9

Growth of bacteria is a result of:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The growth of bacteria is a result of water adsorption because water is essential for various metabolic processes within the bacterial cells, such as nutrient uptake, energy production, and waste removal. Water serves as a medium for chemical reactions to occur and provides structural support to the bacteria. Without sufficient water, bacteria cannot thrive and reproduce. A: Air consumption is incorrect because while bacteria may require oxygen for respiration, it is not the primary factor for their growth. C: Enzyme production is incorrect because enzymes are important for various cellular functions but do not directly influence bacterial growth. D: Radio isotopes are incorrect as they are not essential for bacterial growth and can even be harmful to bacterial cells.

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