Foundations in Microbiology Test Bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helicobacterial infection. This is the most probable leading mechanism of disease development in this case because the patient's symptoms, such as heartburn, epigastric pain, food intolerance, and presence of a duodenal ulcer with a positive urease test, are classic signs of Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacterium colonizes the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and ulcer formation. The exacerbations in spring and autumn could be due to seasonal variations in immune response. Choice B: Dietary allergy is incorrect because the symptoms and findings in the patient are more indicative of an infectious etiology rather than an allergic reaction to specific foods. Choice C: Autoantibody production is unlikely as there are no indications of an autoimmune process in this case. Choice D: Reduced prostaglandin synthesis is not the leading mechanism as the symptoms and findings are more consistent with an infectious cause rather than a deficiency in prostaglandin synthesis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Order. The suffix -virales is used in virology to denote the order level in the taxonomy of viruses. Orders are higher taxonomic ranks compared to species, family, and genus. The suffix -virales is specifically assigned to virus orders, making choice B the correct one. The other choices (A, C, D) are incorrect because the suffix -virales does not apply to species, family, or genus in the taxonomic classification of viruses.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because smallpox vaccination provides long-lasting immunity, often for a lifetime. Revaccination is not necessary as the initial vaccine confers sufficient protection. Choice A is incorrect because yearly revaccination is unnecessary and excessive. Choice B and C are also incorrect as there is no need for revaccination every second or third year. The key is to understand that smallpox vaccination typically provides lifelong immunity, making ongoing revaccination unnecessary.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is a known bacterium associated with causing duodenal ulcers. The presence of Gram-negative curved bacteria in the biopsy along with a highly positive rapid urease test is characteristic of H. pylori infection. Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, not duodenal ulcers. Campylobacter fetus is associated with gastroenteritis, not duodenal ulcers. Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial pathogen, not typically associated with duodenal ulcers. In summary, the unique combination of findings in this case points towards H. pylori as the most likely cause of the disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Jenner. Edward Jenner is credited with performing the first successful vaccination against smallpox in 1796. He used cowpox virus to inoculate individuals, leading to immunity against smallpox. Jenner's experiment laid the foundation for modern vaccination. Pasteur (A) is known for developing the germ theory of disease. Semmelweis (C) advocated for handwashing to prevent infections. Koch (D) identified the causative agents of several diseases but did not develop the smallpox vaccine.