ATI RN
medical microbiology test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
When a pathogen spreads from the original site to other tissues or organs it is called a(n) __________ infection.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: focal. When a pathogen spreads from the original site to other tissues or organs, it is considered a focal infection. This term specifically refers to an infection that is localized to a specific area but can spread to other parts of the body. A: Local infection refers to an infection that is confined to a specific area without spreading to other tissues or organs. C: Natural is not a term commonly used to describe the spread of pathogens within the body. D: Acute refers to the rapid onset of a disease but does not specifically address the spread of pathogens from one site to another. In summary, the term "focal" best describes the scenario provided in the question, making it the correct answer.
Question 2 of 9
Which bacteria is responsible for causing botulism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is responsible for causing botulism due to its production of botulinum toxin, which is one of the most potent neurotoxins known. Clostridium botulinum thrives in anaerobic conditions like improperly canned foods. Staphylococcus aureus (B), Bacillus anthracis (C), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (D) do not produce the botulinum toxin and are not associated with botulism. Staphylococcus aureus is known for causing food poisoning, Bacillus anthracis for anthrax, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for various infections, but not botulism.
Question 3 of 9
For destruction of spore forms of microorganisms is used:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: autoclaving. Autoclaving is a process that uses high pressure and steam to achieve temperatures above the boiling point of water, typically around 121-134°C. This high heat and pressure are effective in destroying spore forms of microorganisms, which are highly resistant structures that can withstand boiling temperatures. Autoclaving ensures the complete destruction of spores, making it an effective method for sterilization. Rationale: A: Pasteurization uses lower heat compared to autoclaving and is not sufficient to destroy spore forms. C: Freezing does not effectively destroy spore forms, as most microorganisms can survive freezing temperatures. D: Boiling, while effective for many microorganisms, may not be sufficient to destroy spore forms due to their high resistance, unlike autoclaving.
Question 4 of 9
Several patients with similar complaints came to the doctor. They all present with weakness, pain in the intestines, indigestion. Feces analysis revealed the need for urgent hospitalization of the patient, who had microbial cysts with four nuclei detected in his samples. Such cysts are characteristic of the following protozoon:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This protozoon is known to cause amoebic dysentery, presenting symptoms of weakness, intestinal pain, and indigestion. The presence of microbial cysts with four nuclei in fecal samples is characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica. These cysts are the infective form of the parasite and can cause severe invasive disease in the intestines. Incorrect choices: B: Entamoeba coli does not typically cause invasive disease or severe symptoms like those described in the question. C: Balantidium is a ciliated protozoan that causes balantidiasis, which presents differently from the symptoms described in the question. D: Trichomonad is a flagellated protozoan that typically infects the urogenital tract, not the intestine, and does not form cysts with four nuclei. In summary, the key clues in the question were the symptoms of weakness, intestinal pain,
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following organisms is used in the production of cheese?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Propionibacterium shermanii. This bacterium is used in the production of certain types of cheese, such as Swiss cheese, to create the characteristic holes and flavor. Propionibacterium produces carbon dioxide gas during fermentation, forming the holes in the cheese. Acetobacter aceti (B) is used in vinegar production. Giardia (C) is a parasite that causes gastrointestinal issues, not used in cheese production. Fusobacterium (D) is a type of bacteria associated with infections in humans, not used in cheese production.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following bacteria can survive in extreme temperatures?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thermophiles. Thermophiles are bacteria that can survive in extreme temperatures, typically between 45°C to 80°C. This ability is due to their unique enzymes and cell membrane structures that are adapted to high temperatures. Escherichia coli (A) is a common bacterium found in the human gut and does not thrive in extreme temperatures. Clostridium tetani (C) is a bacterium that causes tetanus and prefers moderate temperatures. Salmonella enterica (D) is a pathogenic bacterium that does not thrive in extreme temperatures. Therefore, Thermophiles are the only bacteria on the list known for surviving in extreme temperatures.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following bacterial species is known for its spore-forming ability?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus subtilis is known for its spore-forming ability, which is a survival mechanism to withstand harsh conditions. Spore formation allows the bacteria to become dormant and resistant to heat, chemicals, and radiation. Escherichia coli (A) is not known for spore formation. Staphylococcus aureus (B) does not form spores either. Listeria monocytogenes (D) is a pathogenic bacterium but does not typically form spores.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following has a contact route of transmission
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: HIV. HIV is transmitted through direct contact with certain body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. This direct contact route of transmission makes it different from the other choices. Salmonellosis is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water (not direct contact). Tularemia is usually transmitted through insect bites or contact with infected animals. Rubella is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. Therefore, HIV is the only option with a contact route of transmission.
Question 9 of 9
Which bacteria is responsible for causing the disease known as tetanus?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani is responsible for causing tetanus due to its production of tetanospasmin toxin. This neurotoxin leads to muscle stiffness and spasms characteristic of tetanus. Clostridium perfringens is associated with gas gangrene, not tetanus. Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat and skin infections, not tetanus. Escherichia coli is a common gut bacteria and is not responsible for tetanus. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer for causing tetanus.