microbiology an introduction 13th edition test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium appears as purple-stained diplococci with pointed ends on Gram staining. S. pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia. It is encapsulated and has a lancet-shaped appearance, which is characteristic of the pointed ends seen in the staining. Staphylococcus aureus (B) typically appears as clusters of gram-positive cocci, not diplococci. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) is a gram-negative rod, not a diplococci. Neisseria meningitidis (D) is a gram-negative diplococci but typically lacks the pointed ends seen in the staining of S. pneumoniae.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sabouraud. Sabouraud agar is specifically designed to promote the growth of fungi due to its low pH and high glucose content. The cream-like colonies indicate fungal growth, as fungi often appear as fluffy or powdery colonies on Sabouraud agar. Lowenstein-Jensen is used for mycobacteria, Roux for diphtheria, and Loeffler for Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Therefore, Sabouraud is the most suitable medium for detecting fungal contamination based on the characteristics of the colonies formed.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: mesophiles. Mesophiles are microorganisms that thrive in moderate temperatures, typically between 25�C and 40�C. This temperature range is ideal for their growth and reproduction. Thermophiles (A) prefer high temperatures, psychrophiles (B) thrive in cold temperatures, and psychrotrophs (D) can grow at refrigeration temperatures but have an optimal range above 20�C. Therefore, the mesophiles are the best fit for organisms that show optimal growth in moderate temperatures.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Treponema pallidum is a spirochete bacterium known to cause syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. Step 2: Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, not syphilis. Step 3: Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for causing chlamydia, not syphilis. Step 4: Escherichia coli is commonly found in the gut and can cause gastrointestinal infections, not syphilis. Summary: Treponema pallidum is the correct answer as it is the specific bacterium associated with syphilis, while the other choices are responsible for different infections.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Neonatal meningitis is commonly caused by E. coli K1 and group B streptococci due to their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier in newborns. E. coli K1 is a frequent cause in early-onset cases, while group B streptococci are common in late-onset cases. Neisseria meningitidis and streptococcus agalactiae are not as likely to cause neonatal meningitis. Listeria and shigella are also uncommon causes in neonates. Therefore, choice C is the most likely pair of organisms responsible for neonatal meningitis.