The most common causative agent of bacterial meningitis are:

Questions 80

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

microbiology an introduction test bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

The most common causative agent of bacterial meningitis are:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis are the most common causative agents of bacterial meningitis. Haemophilus influenzae is often seen in children, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common in adults, and Neisseria meningitidis is common in adolescents and young adults. Choice A is incorrect because although Streptococcus group B and Listeria monocytogenes can cause meningitis, E. Coli K1 is not a common causative agent. Choice C is incorrect because Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are not typically associated with bacterial meningitis. Choice D is incorrect as there are known causative agents for bacterial meningitis.

Question 2 of 9

The most important virulence factor of Bordetella pertussis is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: pertussis toxin. This toxin is the most important virulence factor of Bordetella pertussis because it plays a key role in causing the characteristic symptoms of whooping cough. Pertussis toxin interferes with the host's immune response, leading to inflammation and tissue damage in the respiratory tract. The other choices (A: the flagellum, C: P fimbriae, D: mannose-resistant adhesins) are important for bacterial attachment and colonization, but they do not directly contribute to the severity of the disease like pertussis toxin does.

Question 3 of 9

The spore in the cells of Clostridium tetani is located:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Terminally. In Clostridium tetani, spores are located at the terminal end of the cell. This positioning helps the spores to be released easily when the cell lyses, aiding in the spread of the bacteria. Paracentrally (A) and centrally (C) would not be as efficient for spore release. Subterminally (B) is also incorrect as the spores are specifically located at the terminal end of the cell, not just near it.

Question 4 of 9

Systemic amebiasis with involvment of intestines, liver, lungs was diagnosed in a 52-year-old patient. What drug should be prescribed?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Metronidazole is the drug of choice for systemic amebiasis due to its high efficacy against Entamoeba histolytica. It has good tissue penetration and can treat intestinal, liver, and lung involvement. Quiniofone (A) has limited use and is not recommended for amebiasis. Enteroseptol (B) is not effective against systemic amebiasis. Tetracycline (D) is not the first-line treatment for amebiasis and has limited efficacy against Entamoeba histolytica.

Question 5 of 9

Gram staining is used to differentiate bacteria based on:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: cell wall composition. Gram staining differentiates bacteria based on the structure of their cell walls. It classifies bacteria into Gram-positive (thick peptidoglycan layer) and Gram-negative (thin peptidoglycan layer). This differentiation is crucial for identifying bacterial species and guiding treatment choices. Size and shape (choice A) are not specific to Gram staining. Presence of flagella (choice B) is related to bacterial motility, not Gram staining. Genetic material (choice D) is not directly assessed by Gram staining. Overall, the unique composition of the cell wall is the key factor in distinguishing bacteria through Gram staining.

Question 6 of 9

Exotoxins are:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Exotoxins are proteins produced inside the microbe cell and then released outside the cell to exert their toxic effects on neighboring cells or tissues. This is why choice A is correct. Choices B and C are incorrect because exotoxins are not meant to act within the same cell they are produced in. Choice D is incorrect because exotoxins are usually released without causing cell lysis; they are secreted by the microbe actively rather than being leaked out due to cell damage.

Question 7 of 9

A child presented with foul-smelling diarrhea. Stool microscopy revealed trophozoites with two nuclei and flagella. What is the causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Giardia lamblia. Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes foul-smelling diarrhea. The trophozoites of Giardia lamblia have two nuclei and flagella, which are characteristic features seen on stool microscopy. The presence of these specific features helps differentiate Giardia lamblia from the other options. Entamoeba histolytica (B) typically presents with one nucleus and lacks flagella. Trichomonas vaginalis (C) is a sexually transmitted parasite with a different morphology. Balantidium coli (D) is a ciliated parasite, not flagellated like Giardia lamblia.

Question 8 of 9

Which is not true?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Interferon delta is not a known type of interferon, making choice D incorrect. Interferon beta is indeed produced by fibroblasts (choice A), interferon alpha by leukocytes (choice B), and interferon gamma by lymphocytes (choice C). Each type of interferon is produced by specific cells in the immune system, contributing to the body's defense against viruses and other pathogens.

Question 9 of 9

Which bacteria is responsible for causing the disease known as leprosy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium leprae. This bacterium is responsible for causing leprosy. Mycobacterium leprae is a slow-growing bacterium that affects the skin and nerves, leading to the characteristic symptoms of leprosy. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a sexually transmitted bacterium causing gonorrhea. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Clostridium perfringens is associated with food poisoning and gas gangrene. Therefore, the correct answer is A because Mycobacterium leprae specifically causes leprosy, while the other choices are associated with different diseases.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days