A bacteriological laboratory received sputum sample of a patient suffering from tuberculosis. Bacterioscopic examination of smears and detection of tuberculosis bacillus can be realized by one of enrichment methods that involves processing of sputum only with solution of caustic soda. What is this method called?

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Mastering Microbiology Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A bacteriological laboratory received sputum sample of a patient suffering from tuberculosis. Bacterioscopic examination of smears and detection of tuberculosis bacillus can be realized by one of enrichment methods that involves processing of sputum only with solution of caustic soda. What is this method called?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inactivation. In this method, the sputum sample is processed with a solution of caustic soda, which helps to kill any contaminants present and preserve the tuberculosis bacillus for microscopic examination. This step is crucial in ensuring accurate detection of the bacillus. A: Homogenization involves breaking down the sample to make it uniform, but it does not necessarily involve using caustic soda for inactivation. C: Flotation is a method used to separate different components based on their density and is not specific to inactivating tuberculosis bacillus. D: Filtration involves passing a sample through a filter to separate particles based on size and is not related to inactivating the tuberculosis bacillus.

Question 2 of 9

A patient with a sore throat had a throat smear stained by Neisser's method. Microscopy revealed rods with polar dark blue granules. What microorganism is likely responsible?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of rods with polar dark blue granules stained by Neisser's method indicates metachromatic granules consistent with Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The characteristic staining pattern is due to the presence of polar granules in the bacterial cells, a feature specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium tetani, and Escherichia coli do not exhibit this staining pattern or morphology typical of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, making them incorrect choices.

Question 3 of 9

Treponemae are motile because of:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: axial filaments. Treponemae are motile due to their unique structure of axial filaments, also known as endoflagella. These axial filaments are located within the periplasmic space of the organism and are responsible for the corkscrew-like motility of Treponemae. The other choices (B: mans peritrichous filaments, C: single monotrichous filament, D: fimbriae) do not play a role in the motility of Treponemae. Peritrichous filaments and single monotrichous filaments are not present in Treponemae, and fimbriae are primarily involved in adhesion rather than motility.

Question 4 of 9

A dentist examined a 5-year-old boy and found him to have a saddle nose, high-arched palate, natiform skull. Both front maxillary incisors are peg-shaped and have a crescent-shaped notch in the cutting edge. Lymph nodes are not changed. What is the provisional diagnosis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Late congenital syphilis. The symptoms described align with late congenital syphilis, which includes saddle nose, high-arched palate, natiform skull, peg-shaped incisors, and notched cutting edge. Lymph nodes not being affected is also consistent with late congenital syphilis. Early congenital syphilis (B) typically presents with more severe symptoms at birth or shortly after. Tertiary syphilis (C) usually occurs years after initial infection and presents with different symptoms. Fluorosis (D) is caused by excessive fluoride intake and does not match the symptoms described.

Question 5 of 9

Which of the following diseases is transmitted by the fecal–oral route?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers are commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can be transmitted through the fecal-oral route. This means that the bacteria from infected feces can be ingested through contaminated food or water, leading to the development of peptic ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. Incorrect choices: A: Ehrlichiosis - Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, not through the fecal-oral route. C: Lyme disease - Lyme disease is also transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, specifically the black-legged tick. D: Tularemia - Tularemia is a bacterial disease typically transmitted through insect bites, handling of infected animals, or ingestion of contaminated water, not through the fecal-oral route.

Question 6 of 9

Which bacterial structure allows for attachment to host cells?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fimbriae. Fimbriae are hair-like appendages found on the surface of bacteria that enable attachment to host cells. This attachment is crucial for establishing infection. Flagella (A) are used for movement, not attachment. Capsules (C) provide protection and help evade the host immune system, but do not directly facilitate attachment. Endospores (D) are dormant structures for survival, not for attachment to host cells. Fimbriae specifically aid in adherence to host cells, making them the correct choice in this context.

Question 7 of 9

The major function of bacterial flagella is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Movement of the bacterial cell. Bacterial flagella are whip-like appendages that enable bacteria to move towards nutrients or away from harmful substances. This movement is essential for survival, dispersal, and colonization. Choice A is incorrect because attachment is primarily mediated by other structures like pili. Choice C is incorrect as protein synthesis occurs inside the cell and is not directly related to flagella. Choice D is incorrect as nutrient absorption is typically carried out through specific channels or transport systems, not by flagella.

Question 8 of 9

Which bacteria is responsible for causing tuberculosis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is responsible for causing tuberculosis. It is a slow-growing, acid-fast bacillus that primarily affects the lungs. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is transmitted through the air via respiratory droplets. Choice B, Streptococcus pneumoniae, is a common cause of pneumonia but not tuberculosis. Choice C, Salmonella enterica, causes food poisoning. Choice D, Neisseria meningitidis, causes meningitis, not tuberculosis. Therefore, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the correct answer based on its characteristics and mode of transmission.

Question 9 of 9

Which of the following pathogens has the widest infectious spectrum

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Anthrax bacillus, because it has the widest infectious spectrum among the options provided. Anthrax bacillus can infect a wide range of hosts, including humans and various animals. It is known for its ability to survive in different environments and cause disease through various routes of exposure. In contrast, choices B, C, and D have more limited infectious spectra. Mumps virus primarily infects humans, the causative agent of gonorrhea mainly affects humans through sexual contact, and the rabies virus typically infects mammals through bites from infected animals. Therefore, Anthrax bacillus is the correct choice due to its broader range of hosts and modes of transmission compared to the other options.

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