Microbiology A Systems Approach Test Bank

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sporotrichosis. Sporotrichosis is caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, which commonly presents as a subcutaneous infection. In the given case, the presence of a small abscess with yellowish-green pus containing white granules is indicative of sporotrichosis. The histological examination showing drusen of a fungus, plasmatic and xanthome cells, and macrophages further supports the diagnosis of sporotrichosis. Choice A: Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, not a fungal infection. Choice B: Aspergillosis is caused by Aspergillus species and typically presents as a pulmonary infection, not a subcutaneous abscess as described in the case. Choice C: Candidosis is caused by Candida species and usually presents as mucocutaneous infections, not a subcutaneous abscess with the

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is D: Lymphocutaneous tularemia. The key clues include exposure to a dead animal, vesicle with serosanginous exudate, painless edema progressing to lymph node involvement, and fever. Tularemia is caused by Francisella tularensis, commonly acquired through contact with infected animals. The characteristic ulcer at the site of entry, lymphadenopathy, and systemic symptoms point towards tularemia. Cutaneous anthrax (A) presents with a painless ulcer and black eschar. Bubonic plague (B) typically presents with buboes (swollen lymph nodes) and fever. Carbuncle (C) is a deep skin infection typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) have fimbrial adhesins that help them bind to enterocytes in the intestines, leading to colonization and infection. This is a key virulence factor of EPEC. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: EPEC typically cause watery diarrhea in infants, not bloody diarrhea similar to shigellosis. C: EPEC are not part of the normal intestinal flora; they are pathogenic bacteria. D: EPEC are not invasive and do not typically produce enterotoxin; they primarily adhere to the intestinal epithelium.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: IgG. IgG is the only antibody that can cross the placenta due to its small size and unique structure, allowing it to provide passive immunity to the fetus. IgA is mainly found in mucosal secretions, IgM is too large to cross the placental barrier, and IgD plays a role in B cell activation but is not involved in placental transfer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Blastospores. Blastospores are a type of fungal spore that requires a moist environment to survive. They are commonly found in water bodies like ponds, streams, lakes, and oceans. Mycorrhizae (A) are symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots, not solely dependent on a moist environment. Armillaria gallica (B) is a type of fungus that can survive in various environmental conditions, not specifically reliant on a moist environment. Choice C is a duplicate of Blastospores, making it incorrect.