microbiology an introduction tortora test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A: Syphilis. Spiral microorganisms with pointed ends are characteristic of Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. This bacterium is known for its corkscrew shape. Other choices are incorrect because Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and Relapsing fever are caused by different pathogens and do not exhibit spiral microorganisms on blood smears. Syphilis should be suspected in the presence of these specific spiral microorganisms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is responsible for causing tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis specifically targets the lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms and can spread to other parts of the body. Streptococcus pneumoniae (A) is known for causing pneumonia, Neisseria meningitidis (C) causes meningitis, and Clostridium botulinum (D) causes botulism, not tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the only bacterium among the choices that is associated with tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus saprophyticus. This bacterium is the second most common cause of cystitis in healthy sexually active women after E. coli. Staphylococcus saprophyticus is commonly found in the gastrointestinal and genital areas. It has a unique ability to adhere to uroepithelial cells, making it a common pathogen in urinary tract infections. Proteus mirabilis is more commonly associated with complicated UTIs, especially in catheterized patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is more commonly seen in hospitalized or immunocompromised patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae is typically associated with UTIs in elderly patients or those with structural abnormalities in the urinary tract.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: viruses. Viruses are always in a parasitic form of interaction with the individual because they cannot survive or reproduce outside of a host cell. They rely on host cells to replicate and cause harm. Non-pathogenic bacteria (choice B) do not always cause harm and can coexist with the individual. Facultative pathogenic bacteria (choice C) can switch between being beneficial and harmful. Therefore, the correct answer is A as viruses always rely on a host for survival and reproduction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: interferes with protein synthesis. Cephalosporins are beta-lactam antibiotics that work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, not protein synthesis. They are bactericidal and have a relatively broad spectrum of activity against various bacteria. Choice A, B, and C all describe characteristics of cephalosporins, making them incorrect options.