microbiology chapter 12 test bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: mutualism. In mutualism, both organisms benefit from the relationship. This is because they provide each other with resources or services that help both parties. In contrast, commensalism (A) is a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Parasitism (C) is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Competition (D) is a relationship where both organisms are negatively affected as they compete for limited resources. Therefore, mutualism is the correct answer as it describes a mutually beneficial relationship between two organisms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacterium is commonly associated with pneumonia in elderly patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium that frequently causes pneumonia in individuals with underlying health conditions. It is known for its ability to produce a distinctive mucoid capsule. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (B) is more commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Escherichia coli (C) is a common cause of urinary tract infections but is less likely in this case due to the symptoms and sputum sample results. Haemophilus influenzae (D) is another common respiratory pathogen, but in this scenario, Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent based on the patient's age, symptoms, and the characteristics of the bacteria described in the sputum sample.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Gram-positive diplococci suggest a pneumococcal infection. Step 2: Catalase-negative indicates Streptococcus. Step 3: Alpha-hemolysis matches S. pneumoniae's characteristics. Therefore, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is catalase-positive, Neisseria meningitidis (C) is Gram-negative, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is not diplococci or alpha-hemolytic.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: sporadic disease. Infection of several persons without any epidemiological link is considered sporadic because it occurs in a random and isolated manner, with no clear pattern or connection between cases. It is not classified as an epidemic (A) because it does not involve a sudden increase in the number of cases within a specific population. It is also not endemic (C) as endemic diseases are constantly present in a particular region or population. Lastly, it is not a pandemic (D) which refers to a global outbreak affecting a large number of people across different countries.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: LT enterotoxin. This toxin is specific for Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and is responsible for causing diarrhea by increasing cyclic AMP levels in intestinal cells. TSST-1 (choice A) is produced by Staphylococcus aureus, not ETEC. Shiga-like toxin (choice B) is produced by Shigella and EHEC, not ETEC. Erythrogenic toxin (choice C) is produced by Streptococcus pyogenes, not ETEC. Therefore, the LT enterotoxin is the specific toxin associated with ETEC.