Microbiology A Systems Approach Test Bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reinfection. This is because the patient fully recovered from the initial syphilis infection after antibiotic therapy, indicating the elimination of the pathogen. Subsequently getting infected again with Treponema pallidum suggests a new exposure to the same pathogen, resulting in a new infection. Recurrence (B) would imply the reactivation of the same infection, which is not the case here. Superinfection (C) refers to a new infection that occurs on top of an existing infection, which is not the scenario described. Secondary infection (D) typically refers to an infection that occurs after an initial infection weakens the immune system, which is not the case in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all the options listed can cause respiratory tract infections. 1. Francisella tularensis can cause pneumonia. 2. Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, a respiratory infection. 3. Coxiella brunetti can lead to Q fever, which affects the respiratory system. Therefore, all choices are correct for causing respiratory tract infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they are individual causes of respiratory infections, whereas choice D encompasses all possible causes listed.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters, along with being catalase-positive and coagulase-negative, is indicative of Staphylococcus species. Staphylococcus epidermidis is commonly found on the skin, making it likely to cause wound infections. Summary: B: Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. C: Streptococcus pyogenes is catalase-negative. D: Enterococcus faecalis is catalase-negative.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Binary fission is the correct answer for bacterial replication because it is the process by which bacteria divide into two identical daughter cells. During binary fission, the bacterial cell replicates its DNA, forms a septum dividing the cell into two, and eventually splits into two daughter cells. This process is specific to prokaryotic cells such as bacteria and is different from mitosis and meiosis, which are processes specific to eukaryotic cells. Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, but it is not the primary mechanism of bacterial replication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: pasteurization. This process involves heating food to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria while preserving the flavor and quality of the food. Sanitation (A) refers to maintaining cleanliness to prevent contamination. Disinfection (C) involves killing most, but not all, microbes on surfaces. Purification (D) typically refers to the process of removing impurities, not specifically targeting microbes. In this case, pasteurization best describes the process of reducing harmful microbes in food without completely eliminating all microorganisms.