ATI RN
microbiology chapter 13 test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A fecal sample from a patient with diarrhea revealed cysts with four nuclei. What is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This is because the presence of cysts with four nuclei is characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite that causes amoebic dysentery. Entamoeba histolytica cysts contain four nuclei, distinguishing them from other pathogens. Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis are not associated with cysts containing four nuclei. Balantidium coli is a ciliated protozoan that does not typically form cysts with multiple nuclei. In summary, the unique feature of four nuclei in the cysts points towards Entamoeba histolytica as the most likely causative agent of the diarrhea in this patient.
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following bacteria is known for causing dental caries (cavities)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Streptococcus mutans is known for its ability to produce acids that contribute to the demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to dental caries. Step 2: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections, not dental caries. Step 3: Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, a serious bacterial infection, not dental caries. Step 4: Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, a severe form of food poisoning, not dental caries. Summary: Streptococcus mutans is the correct answer as it is specifically associated with causing dental caries, while the other choices are linked to different diseases.
Question 3 of 9
On a certain territory mass death of rodents was registered. It was suspected that their death might have been caused by plague. What serological reaction should be applied for quick identification of antigen of the causative agent of this epizooty?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Agglutination. During a suspected plague outbreak, agglutination testing is used to quickly identify the antigen of the causative agent. In this test, specific antibodies are added to a sample containing the suspected antigen. If the antigen is present, it will clump together (agglutinate) with the antibodies, indicating a positive result. This method is rapid and efficient for identifying the presence of the plague-causing agent. Choice A: Precipitation involves the formation of a visible precipitate when antigen and antibody react, but it is not as quick or specific as agglutination for identifying the antigen in this scenario. Choice C: Passive hemagglutination is a variation of agglutination that uses red blood cells as carriers for antigens or antibodies. While it can be useful in certain situations, it is not typically the first choice for rapid identification of plague antigen. Choice D: Complement binding is a different type of
Question 4 of 9
From a medicinal herb a certain phytopathogenic microorganism was secured. In the nutrient medium it forms "fried egg"colonies. What is the most likely agent?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: "Fried egg" colonies typically refer to colonies with a raised center and flattened periphery, resembling the appearance of a fried egg. Step 2: Actinomycetes are filamentous bacteria known to form "fried egg" colonies in nutrient medium. Step 3: Actinomycetes are commonly found in soil and are known to be phytopathogenic microorganisms. Step 4: Actinomycetes produce secondary metabolites with medicinal properties, making them a likely agent from a medicinal herb. Overall, the correct answer is C (Actinomycetes) as they fit the description provided in the question and are commonly associated with the given scenario. The other choices are incorrect as they do not exhibit the specific characteristics mentioned in the question or are not typically associated with forming "fried egg" colonies in nutrient medium.
Question 5 of 9
N. Meningitidis grows on
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chocolate agar. Neisseria meningitidis is a fastidious organism that requires enriched media for growth. Chocolate agar contains heat-treated blood that provides essential nutrients for the growth of N. meningitidis. The other choices, A: Levine agar, B: Lowenstein-Jensen agar, and C: TCBS agar, do not provide the specific nutrients required for the growth of N. meningitidis. Therefore, only choice D, Chocolate agar, supports the growth of N. meningitidis due to its enriched composition.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following microorganisms can be cultured only in the footpads of mice or a species of armadillo?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycobacterium leprae. This microorganism can only be cultured in the footpads of mice or a species of armadillo due to its specific growth requirements. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (choice A) can be cultured in various culture media in the laboratory. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (choice C) can be cultured on selective media like Thayer-Martin agar. Mycoplasma (choice D) can be cultured in cell cultures or specialized media. Therefore, the unique growth pattern of Mycobacterium leprae makes it the correct answer.
Question 7 of 9
The most important virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Polysaccharide capsule. The capsule of Neisseria meningitidis is crucial for its virulence as it helps the bacteria evade the host immune system by inhibiting phagocytosis. This allows the bacteria to survive and multiply in the host, leading to invasive infections. Exotoxins, beta-lactamase, and pyrogenic toxins are not the main virulence factors of Neisseria meningitidis and do not play as significant a role in its pathogenicity as the polysaccharide capsule.
Question 8 of 9
A patient with a sore throat and fever had a throat smear stained with Gram's method, revealing Gram-positive cocci in chains. What is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is known to cause sore throat and fever, commonly referred to as strep throat. Gram's stain showing Gram-positive cocci in chains is characteristic of Streptococcus species. Streptococcus pyogenes is a beta-hemolytic bacterium that forms chains and is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci that forms clusters, not chains. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus and is not associated with sore throat. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is a Gram-positive cocci that can cause infections but is not typically associated with sore throat.
Question 9 of 9
During the skill-building session in microbiology the students need to stain the prepared and fixed sputum smears obtained from a tuberculosis patient. What staining technique should be used in this case?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct staining technique for staining sputum smears from a tuberculosis patient is Ziehl-Neelsen staining. This technique uses a carbol fuchsin stain that specifically stains acid-fast organisms like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The steps involved include staining with carbol fuchsin, decolorizing with acid-alcohol, counterstaining with methylene blue, and then examining under a microscope. This staining method is crucial for detecting the acid-fast bacilli characteristic of tuberculosis. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: Gram staining is used to differentiate bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative, not suitable for acid-fast organisms like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. B: Giemsa staining is used for detecting parasites and certain types of white blood cells, not specific for acid-fast bacteria. D: Burry staining is not a recognized staining technique in microbiology for staining acid-fast organisms.