microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Klebsiella pneumoniae. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a fermentative gram-negative rod, which means it can ferment sugars. In contrast, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia are non-fermentative gram-negative rods. These organisms do not ferment sugars for energy production. Therefore, Klebsiella pneumoniae is the only fermentative organism among the choices, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because diphtheria exotoxin is absorbed into the underlying healthy tissues and spreads throughout the body. This is due to the toxin's ability to enter the bloodstream and target various organs, causing systemic effects. Choice A is incorrect as the toxin does not stay localized at the site of infection. Choice B is incorrect as diphtheria exotoxin does not directly affect neuro-muscular transmission. Choice D is also incorrect as the toxin does spread throughout the body.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is considered a reemerging disease due to the increase in drug-resistant strains, high global prevalence, and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. This is supported by global health organizations' reports on the resurgence of TB cases. A: AIDS is not considered a reemerging disease as there has been significant progress in HIV prevention and treatment. B: Ebola outbreaks are sporadic and localized, not considered reemerging on a global scale. C: West Nile virus outbreaks occur periodically, but it is not considered a reemerging disease compared to TB.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Toxin production test. Rationale: 1. Diphtheria is caused by a toxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. 2. To confirm if the carrier is dangerous, we need to test if they are producing the toxin. 3. The toxin production test directly assesses if the bacteria are producing the harmful toxin. 4. Positive results indicate the carrier is dangerous and can transmit the disease to others. Summary of other choices: B: Mouse neutralization test - Used to detect diphtheria antitoxin levels in blood, not to confirm if the carrier is dangerous. C: Immunofluorescence test - Used to detect specific antigens or antibodies, not directly related to confirming the carrier's danger. D: Complement fixation test - Measures immune response, not specific to toxin production confirmation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Salmonella typhi. The patient's symptoms of diarrhea and the characteristics of non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rods that are oxidase-positive and fermentative are consistent with Salmonella typhi. Salmonella typhi is the causative agent of typhoid fever, which presents with symptoms like diarrhea. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (choice A) is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. Escherichia coli (choice B) is both lactose-fermenting and oxidase-negative. Shigella dysenteriae (choice D) is oxidase-negative. Therefore, Salmonella typhi is the most likely causative agent based on the given information.