Microbiology An Introduction 12th Edition Test Bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The Ascoli precipitation test is specifically used to detect anthrax agent antigens. The test involves mixing a patient's serum with a solution containing anthrax antigens, leading to precipitation if the antigens are present. Therefore, a positive reaction in this test indicates the presence of anthrax agent antigens. The other choices (B: Brucellosis agent, C: Anaerobic infection toxin, D: Plague agent) are incorrect because the Ascoli precipitation test is not designed to detect these specific agents or toxins.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Coxiella burnetii. Q-fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It is not caused by viruses like Bunyaviridae or Filoviridae. Rickettsia conorii causes Mediterranean spotted fever, not Q-fever. Coxiella burnetii is the only bacterium among the choices known to be the etiological agent of Q-fever.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thick gram-positive non-sporeforming bacilli. In botulism, the causative agent, Clostridium botulinum, is a thick gram-positive bacilli that does not form spores. This is a key characteristic morphologic feature. A: Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli with subterminal spore - This is incorrect as Clostridium botulinum does not have subterminal spores. C: Gram-positive spore-forming bacilli with terminal spore - Incorrect because Clostridium botulinum does not form spores. D: Thin mobile spore-forming bacilli with central spore - Incorrect because Clostridium botulinum is not thin, mobile, or spore-forming. In summary, the most characteristic morphologic feature of the botulism agent is being thick, gram-positive, and non-sporeforming, making choice B the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Artificial food media. Treponema pallidum is a fastidious bacterium that cannot be cultivated on artificial food media due to its complex nutritional requirements. It can be cultivated on cell lines and intratesticular in rabbits. Therefore, option A is incorrect. Option B and C are correct.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transformation. During transformation, bacteria take up foreign DNA from the environment and incorporate it into their own genetic material. This process allows for genetic diversity and adaptation. Transduction (B) involves transfer of DNA via a virus, conjugation (C) involves direct transfer of DNA between bacterial cells, and binary fission (D) is a form of asexual reproduction in bacteria. Transformation is the only process specifically related to bacteria taking up foreign DNA.