OpenStax Microbiology Test Bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Candida fungi. In the context of a 70-year-old man with angular cheilitis (lesion at the corners of the mouth) and stomatitis, the presence of large ovoid gram-positive cells points towards Candida species, which are yeast fungi. Candida is a common opportunistic pathogen that can cause oral thrush and angular cheilitis in immunocompromised individuals, such as elderly people. Candida fungi are known to appear as large ovoid cells under microscopic examination. Summary of other choices: B: Streptococci are gram-positive bacteria and are not typically associated with large ovoid cells seen in this case. C: Staphylococci are also gram-positive bacteria and are not known to present as large ovoid cells in this context. D: Neisseria are gram-negative bacteria and are not the usual etiological agents for oral lesions like angular cheilitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. This is because Streptococcus pyogenes is a Gram-positive cocci in chains bacterium that is catalase-negative, making it the most likely causative agent in this scenario. Streptococcus pyogenes is a common pathogen causing bacterial endocarditis. Summary of other choices: B: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive cocci bacterium but is catalase-positive, so it is unlikely in this case. C: Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive cocci bacterium, but it is catalase-negative, which is not consistent with the given information. D: Micrococcus luteus is a Gram-positive cocci bacterium but is catalase-positive, making it an unlikely causative agent.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The polysaccharide capsule. The capsule of Neisseria meningitidis plays a crucial role in its virulence by preventing phagocytosis, allowing the bacteria to evade the host's immune system. This leads to increased survival and colonization in the host. Choice B: The beta lactamase is incorrect because it is an enzyme that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics and does not directly contribute to the virulence of Neisseria meningitidis. Choice C: The erythrogenic toxin is incorrect as this toxin is produced by Streptococcus pyogenes, not Neisseria meningitidis. Choice D: None of the above is incorrect as the polysaccharide capsule is indeed a key virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria species. Gram staining differentiates bacteria based on cell wall composition. Gram-negative bacteria like Neisseria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane, making them appear pink under the microscope. Streptococcus species (B) are Gram-positive cocci with a thick peptidoglycan layer, appearing purple. Bacillus (C) and Clostridium (D) species are Gram-positive rods, not Gram-negative cocci. Thus, the correct answer is A because Neisseria species are the only Gram-negative cocci among the choices provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus subtilis is a thermophilic bacterium capable of surviving in extreme heat due to its heat-resistant spores. It forms spores when exposed to unfavorable conditions, allowing it to withstand high temperatures. Escherichia coli (A), Staphylococcus aureus (C), and Clostridium botulinum (D) are mesophilic bacteria that do not have the same heat resistance mechanisms as Bacillus subtilis, making them unable to survive in extreme heat conditions.