microbiology chapter 1 test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium is a Gram-negative diplococcus, oxidase-positive, and fermentative. Neisseria meningitidis is known to cause respiratory infections and is commonly found in sputum cultures of patients with such infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (B) is also a Gram-negative diplococcus but is not fermentative. Moraxella catarrhalis (C) is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. Haemophilus influenzae (D) is not a diplococcus and is not fermentative. Therefore, Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative agent based on the given characteristics.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clostridium perfringens. This bacterium is the causative agent of gas gangrene due to its ability to produce gas and toxins in anaerobic conditions. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, and Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, not gas gangrene. Clostridium perfringens stands out as the correct choice based on its specific association with gas gangrene and its pathogenic mechanisms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The Burri-Gins staining technique is used to identify capsule formation in bacteria. Capsules are protective layers around bacteria that can be visualized using this staining method. Capsules are important virulence factors for pathogens like Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. This technique helps in differentiating encapsulated bacteria from non-encapsulated ones. Spore formation (B), acid resistance (C), and alkali resistance (D) are not properties that can be identified using the Burri-Gins technique, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: peak effect. When drug receptors are maximally activated, it means the drug has reached its highest effectiveness, resulting in the peak effect. This occurs when the drug concentration is at its highest level in the body, leading to the maximum response. Threshold level (A) refers to the minimum amount of drug needed to produce a response. Cessation effect (C) is when the drug's effect wears off. Latency time (D) is the time it takes for the drug to start producing an effect. So, the peak effect best describes the scenario where drug receptors are maximally activated.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Haemolytic streptococci. Hemolytic streptococci are known to cause serious infections in humans, including strep throat and skin infections. These bacteria have the potential to spread rapidly and cause epidemics. Bacilli are a broad category of bacteria and not all are necessarily harmful. Micrococci are commonly found on human skin and are generally harmless. Yeast fungi are also commonly found in the environment and are not typically associated with causing epidemics. Therefore, the presence of hemolytic streptococci in the air of a pharmacy indicates a direct epidemic danger due to their pathogenic nature and potential to cause widespread infections.