ATI RN
microbiology an introduction test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following bacteria produces a neurotoxin that causes botulism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum produces the neurotoxin that causes botulism. This bacterium thrives in anaerobic conditions and contaminated food. The neurotoxin blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle paralysis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Escherichia coli can cause food poisoning but not botulism, and Staphylococcus aureus produces enterotoxins causing food poisoning, not botulism.
Question 2 of 9
The primary target of beta-lactam antibiotics is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary target of beta-lactam antibiotics is cell wall synthesis. These antibiotics inhibit enzymes called penicillin-binding proteins, which are essential for building the bacterial cell wall. By disrupting cell wall synthesis, beta-lactam antibiotics weaken the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death. Protein synthesis (Choice A), DNA replication (Choice B), and folic acid synthesis (Choice D) are not directly targeted by beta-lactam antibiotics, making them incorrect choices.
Question 3 of 9
The key diagnostic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheriae is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: presence of metachromatic granules. This is because Corynebacterium diphtheriae is known for containing metachromatic granules, which are characteristic of this species. These granules can be observed under a microscope and aid in the identification of the bacteria. Explanation of other choices: A: formation of spores - Corynebacterium diphtheriae does not form spores. Spore formation is more commonly seen in bacteria such as Bacillus and Clostridium species. C: production of coagulase - Coagulase production is a characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus, not Corynebacterium diphtheriae. D: beta-hemolysis on blood agar - Corynebacterium diphtheriae does not exhibit beta-hemolysis on blood agar. This type of hemolysis is more typical of Streptococcus pyogenes.
Question 4 of 9
Which bacteria are capable of surviving in anoxic (oxygen-free) conditions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obligate anaerobes. These bacteria can only survive in the absence of oxygen as they lack the enzymes needed for aerobic respiration. They typically use fermentation or anaerobic respiration for energy production. Incorrect choices: B: Facultative anaerobes can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism based on oxygen availability. C: Obligate aerobes require oxygen for survival and cannot survive in anoxic conditions. D: Microaerophiles require low levels of oxygen for growth and are not capable of surviving in completely anoxic conditions.
Question 5 of 9
A Gram-negative bacterium producing a blue-green pigment and having a fruity odor was isolated from a patient's wound infection. What is the likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Blue-green pigment + fruity odor are characteristic of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 2. P. aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium commonly associated with wound infections. 3. P. aeruginosa is known for its ability to produce pyocyanin (blue-green pigment) and a sweet, fruity odor. 4. Other choices like E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. mirabilis do not typically produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor. 5. Therefore, based on the characteristics observed, the likely causative agent is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Summary of other choices: - Escherichia coli: Does not produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor. - Klebsiella pneumoniae: Does not typically produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor. - Proteus mirabilis: Does not produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor.
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following bacteria is known for producing a neurotoxin that causes botulism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces the neurotoxin responsible for botulism. Clostridium perfringens is associated with gas gangrene, not botulism. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, not botulism. Therefore, A is the correct choice.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following diseases is not caused by enteroviruses?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Answer B, Infectious mononucleosis, is not caused by enteroviruses. Infectious mononucleosis is primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpesvirus family, not by enteroviruses. Enteroviruses are known to cause diseases such as myocarditis, herpangina, and Boston exanthema. Therefore, B is the correct answer. Myocarditis, herpangina, and Boston exanthema can all be caused by enteroviruses, making choices A, C, and D incorrect, respectively.
Question 8 of 9
The patient 25 y.o. was admitted on the 1st day of the disease with complaints of double vision in the eyes, heavy breathing. The day before the patient ate homemade mushrooms. On objective examination: paleness, widened pupils, disorder of swallowing, bradycardia, constipation are marked. What is the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Botulism. Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In this case, the patient's symptoms align with botulism due to the ingestion of homemade mushrooms. The symptoms of double vision, heavy breathing, paleness, widened pupils, swallowing difficulties, bradycardia, and constipation are all classic signs of botulism poisoning. The toxin affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis. The other choices (B: Yersiniosis, C: Leptospirosis, D: Salmonellosis) do not match the patient's symptoms and history of consuming mushrooms, making them incorrect.
Question 9 of 9
A patient has symptoms of inflammation of urogenital tracts. Examination of a vaginal smear revealed big monocellular, pear-shaped organisms with the pointed spike at the posterior end of body, big nucleus and undulating membrane. What protozoa were found in the smear?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trichomonas vaginalis. 1. Symptoms of urogenital inflammation match Trichomonas vaginalis infection. 2. Description matches Trichomonas vaginalis characteristics: pear-shaped, pointed spike, big nucleus, undulating membrane. 3. Trichomonas hominis and buccalis do not typically infect urogenital tracts. 4. Trypanosoma gambiense causes African trypanosomiasis, not urogenital infections.