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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Salmonella enterica, Clostridium botulinum, and Escherichia coli are all commonly associated with food poisoning. Salmonella causes symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Clostridium botulinum produces a toxin that leads to symptoms like muscle weakness and paralysis. Escherichia coli can cause symptoms like severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Therefore, all three bacteria are known to cause food poisoning. The other choices are incorrect because each of the bacteria listed is associated with food poisoning.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helicobacter pylori. Rationale: 1. Gram-negative spiral-shaped microorganisms match the morphology of Helicobacter pylori. 2. Positive urease activity is a characteristic feature of Helicjsonacter pylori. 3. Helicobacter pylori is specifically associated with gastric ulcers and is a common pathogen in the gastrointestinal tract. Summary: Choice B, Campilobacter jejuni, is a gram-negative curved bacterium but is not typically associated with gastric ulcers or urease activity. Choice C, Treponema pallidum, is a spirochete bacterium causing syphilis, which is not related to gastric ulcers. Choice D, Spirilla minor, is a generic term for spiral-shaped bacteria and is not a specific pathogen associated with gastric ulcers or urease activity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thermophiles. Thermophiles are bacteria that thrive in high temperatures typically above 45�C. They have specialized enzymes and cellular structures that allow them to survive and even thrive in extreme heat. Psychrophiles (A) are adapted to cold temperatures, mesophiles (B) thrive at moderate temperatures, and halophiles (D) prefer high salt concentrations, making them unsuitable for extreme heat survival. Therefore, Thermophiles are the only bacteria among the choices that are known for their ability to survive in extreme heat.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why C is correct: 1. Immunomodulators regulate the immune response. 2. Gamma-interferon is a cytokine that enhances immune function. 3. It helps fight infections and regulate inflammation. 4. Pentaxim and Hexacima are combination vaccines. 5. Rifampin is an antibiotic, not an immunomodulator. Summary: - A and B are combination vaccines. - D is an antibiotic. - C is the correct answer as gamma-interferon is an immunomodulator that regulates the immune response.