ATI RN
microbiology test bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following is not a method used by bacteria to acquire genetic material?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Binary fission. Binary fission is a method of bacterial cell division, not a method of acquiring genetic material. Transformation, conjugation, and transduction are mechanisms through which bacteria can acquire genetic material from other sources. Transformation involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment, conjugation is the transfer of genetic material through direct cell-to-cell contact, and transduction is the transfer of genetic material via bacteriophages. Therefore, binary fission is the only option that does not involve the acquisition of new genetic material.
Question 2 of 9
What is the main function of bacterial pili?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The main function of bacterial pili is to facilitate conjugation and adhesion. Pili are hair-like appendages on bacteria that help in cell-to-cell interactions. They play a crucial role in bacterial conjugation by allowing the transfer of genetic material between cells. Additionally, pili help bacteria adhere to surfaces or host cells, aiding in colonization and biofilm formation. Choices A and D are incorrect because protein synthesis and toxin secretion are not the primary functions of pili. Choice C is incorrect as bacterial motility is mainly mediated by flagella, not pili.
Question 3 of 9
Generalized meningococcal infection is usually treated with antibiotic drugs EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nystatin. Nystatin is an antifungal medication, not an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like generalized meningococcal infection. Penicillin G, macrolides, and chloramphenicol are antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections, including meningococcal infections. Penicillin G is the drug of choice for meningococcal infections, while macrolides and chloramphenicol are alternative options. Nystatin is not effective against bacteria, so it is not a suitable treatment for meningococcal infections.
Question 4 of 9
Drugs are excreted from the body primarily via the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: kidneys. The kidneys are the primary organs responsible for excreting drugs from the body through urine. They filter the blood and remove waste products, including drugs, through the process of urine formation. The lungs primarily excrete gases and volatile substances, not drugs. The small intestines are mainly involved in absorption of nutrients, not drug excretion. The spleen is part of the immune system and does not play a direct role in drug excretion.
Question 5 of 9
A smear of dental plaque revealed unicellular organisms with pseudopodia and ingested white blood cells. What is the most likely causative agent?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba gingivalis. This organism matches the description provided in the question - unicellular with pseudopodia and ingested white blood cells, commonly found in dental plaque. Entamoeba gingivalis is known to inhabit the oral cavity and is associated with periodontal disease. Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia lamblia, and Balantidium coli do not match the characteristics mentioned in the question and are not typically found in the oral cavity.
Question 6 of 9
All of the following reactions are used for the serological identification of Yersinia pestis, EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Agglutination test type Gruber. This is because the Gruber agglutination test is not typically used for the serological identification of Yersinia pestis. The other options (A, B, C) are commonly used methods for serological identification of Y. pestis: A) Precipitation reaction involves the formation of a visible precipitate when Y. pestis antigen reacts with specific antibodies. B) Indirect hemagglutination test detects antibodies against Y. pestis by measuring the agglutination of red blood cells. C) Immunofluorescence test uses fluorescently labeled antibodies to detect specific antigens of Y. pestis. In summary, the Gruber agglutination test is not a standard method for serological identification of Yersinia pestis, unlike the other options provided.
Question 7 of 9
Which of the following infectious diseases is considered to be a reemerging disease?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is considered a reemerging disease due to the increase in drug-resistant strains, high global prevalence, and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. This is supported by global health organizations' reports on the resurgence of TB cases. A: AIDS is not considered a reemerging disease as there has been significant progress in HIV prevention and treatment. B: Ebola outbreaks are sporadic and localized, not considered reemerging on a global scale. C: West Nile virus outbreaks occur periodically, but it is not considered a reemerging disease compared to TB.
Question 8 of 9
A 21-year-old female patient consulted a gynecologist about itching, burning, watery vaginal discharges with a fish-like smell. Speculum examination revealed that the cervical and vaginal mucosa was of a normal pink color. Vaginal examination revealed no alterations of the uterus and appendages. Gram-stained smears included clue cells. What is the most likely pathology?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis). The presence of clue cells on the Gram-stained smears is characteristic of bacterial vaginosis. Clue cells are vaginal epithelial cells covered with bacteria, specifically Gardnerella vaginalis, which is the causative agent of bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms described by the patient - itching, burning, watery discharge with a fish-like smell - are classic signs of bacterial vaginosis. The absence of alterations in the cervix, uterus, and appendages rules out other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydiosis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Therefore, the most likely pathology in this case is bacterial vaginosis.
Question 9 of 9
A dimorphic fungus growing as a mold prefers what temperature?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (25°C) because dimorphic fungi typically grow as molds at lower temperatures. At 25°C, the fungus is likely in its mold phase, which is the preferred temperature range for mold growth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 15°C and 20°C are too low for optimal mold growth, and 37°C is too high as it typically favors the yeast phase of dimorphic fungi. Therefore, the preferred temperature for mold growth of a dimorphic fungus is 25°C.