Botulism is a disease caused by the production of a potent neurotoxin by bacteria of the genus:

Questions 81

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

microbiology an evolving science test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

Botulism is a disease caused by the production of a potent neurotoxin by bacteria of the genus:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clostridium. Clostridium bacteria produce the neurotoxin responsible for botulism. Clostridium botulinum is specifically known for causing this disease. Staphylococcus (A), Klebsiella (B), and Salmonella (C) do not produce the neurotoxin associated with botulism. Staphylococcus typically causes skin infections, Klebsiella is often associated with pneumonia and urinary tract infections, and Salmonella is known for causing food poisoning. Therefore, the correct answer is Clostridium due to its specific association with botulism.

Question 2 of 9

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

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in chains suggests a streptococcal infection. Beta-hemolysis indicates the production of a hemolysin that lyses red blood cells, a characteristic of Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is known to cause strep throat and can present with fever and sore throat. Summary: - B: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia but typically appears as lancet-shaped cocci, not in chains. - C: Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive cocci in clusters, not chains, and is not typically beta-hemolytic. - D: Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive cocci that are part of the normal gut flora and are not typically beta-hemolytic or found in chains.

Question 3 of 9

Quite often, the soil may contain a number of pathogenic microorganisms. The causative agents of the following disease may exist in the soil for a long time:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anthrax. Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can form spores that are highly resistant and can survive in the soil for long periods. These spores can remain dormant until they come into contact with a susceptible host, leading to infection. Diphtheria, viral hepatitis, and pertussis are caused by different types of pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that do not have the same ability to persist in soil as anthrax spores. Therefore, the causative agents of these diseases are less likely to exist in the soil for extended periods compared to anthrax spores.

Question 4 of 9

The process by which the nucleus of protozoans undergoes multiple divisions before the cell divides is called:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Schizogony is the process in protozoans where multiple nuclear divisions occur before cell division. This results in the formation of multiple daughter cells. - A: Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows from an outgrowth on the parent. - B: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells. - D: Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, each developing into a new organism.

Question 5 of 9

A patient with a sore throat and fever had a throat culture revealing Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is a Gram-positive cocci that often appear in pairs and can have a capsule. It is a common cause of sore throat and fever, known as streptococcal pharyngitis. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci but does not typically form pairs. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus and is more associated with meningitis. Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is a Gram-negative rod and not typically associated with sore throat and fever.

Question 6 of 9

The cleanup of various industrial wastes by living organisms is referred to as __________.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: bioremediation. Bioremediation is the process of using living organisms to clean up environmental pollution, including industrial wastes. This method utilizes microorganisms, plants, or fungi to break down or neutralize pollutants. Biomining (A) is the process of extracting valuable metals from ores using biological organisms. Biosynthesis (B) refers to the production of complex molecules by living organisms. Bioengineering (D) involves the application of engineering principles to biological systems, not specifically related to cleaning up industrial wastes. Therefore, the most appropriate term for the cleanup of industrial wastes by living organisms is bioremediation.

Question 7 of 9

Bacteria that have been identified as frequently responsible for nonsexually transmitted infections of the reproductive system include:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A (Escherichia coli, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Staphylococcus aureus) because they are known to commonly cause nonsexually transmitted infections of the reproductive system. Escherichia coli can cause urinary tract infections that can ascend to the reproductive system. Gardnerella vaginalis is associated with bacterial vaginosis, a common infection of the vagina. Staphylococcus aureus can cause infections in the reproductive system through various means. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Streptococcus faecalis, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Serratia marcescens are not commonly associated with reproductive system infections. C: Clostridium tetani and Bacillus cereus are not typically involved in reproductive system infections. D: Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes sexually transmitted infections, Helicobacter pylori causes gastrointestinal issues, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is more

Question 8 of 9

Which of the following best describes a Gram-negative bacterium?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides, which is a key characteristic used in Gram staining. This outer membrane is responsible for the pink/red color seen when stained with Gram stain. Choice A is incorrect because Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer. Choice C is incorrect because Gram-negative bacteria stain pink, not purple. Choice D is incorrect because all bacteria have a cell wall, but Gram-negative bacteria have a different structure compared to Gram-positive bacteria.

Question 9 of 9

A 40-year-old man developed skin redness and an swelling in the neck area, where eventually a small abscess appeared. The section the focus is dense and yellow-green colored. In the purulent masses there are white granules. Histologically there are fungal druses, plasma and xanthome cells, and macrophages detected. Specify the most correct etiological name of this pathological process?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Actinomycosis. This is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species. In this case, the description of dense yellow-green colored focus, white granules in purulent masses, and presence of fungal druses, plasma cells, xanthome cells, and macrophages all match the characteristics of actinomycosis. Actinomycosis typically presents with abscess formation containing sulfur granules, which are yellowish and granular. The other choices (B: Furuncle, C: Carbuncle, D: Syphilis) do not fit the clinical and histological features described in the question, making them incorrect options.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days