medical microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because both Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are bacteria that can cause tuberculosis in humans. Mycobacterium bovis primarily infects animals but can be transmitted to humans, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main causative agent of tuberculosis in humans. Therefore, both choices A and B are correct. Choice D is incorrect because we know that Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are causative agents of tuberculosis in humans.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because humoral immunity involves the formation of specific antibodies by B cells. B cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies to target specific antigens. T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity, not humoral immunity. Choice A is incorrect because T cells do not produce antibodies. Choice C is incorrect as only B cells are responsible for antibody production in humoral immunity. Choice D is incorrect as B cells play a crucial role in the humoral immune response.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Polar placement of volutin granules. This feature is indicative of Corynebacterium diphtheria. Volutin granules are metachromatic granules found in the polar region of the bacterial cell, which is characteristic of this species. This feature helps differentiate it from other bacteria. Explanation: A: Fence-like position of the agent's cells is not a specific morphologic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheria. B: Spores that exceed cells in diameter is not a characteristic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheria. D: Presence of the capsule is not a distinguishing morphologic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheria. In summary, the polar placement of volutin granules is the most indicative feature for determining the type of agent as Corynebacterium diphtheria, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most probable diagnosis is Dermatotropic leishmaniasis. The roundish ulcers, lymph node enlargement, and presence of unicellular aflagellar organisms in discharge are characteristic of this parasitic infection transmitted by sandfly bites. Leishmania parasites cause skin lesions and lymphadenopathy. Toxoplasmosis (B) presents with flu-like symptoms, not ulcers. Scabies (C) causes intense itching and burrows, not ulcers. Trypanosomiasis (D) presents with fever, not ulcers. In this case, the symptoms align closely with Dermatotropic leishmaniasis, making it the most likely diagnosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted protozoan that causes trichomoniasis. The pear-shaped flagellated protozoa with an undulating membrane described in the question match the morphology of Trichomonas vaginalis. It is typically found in vaginal discharge of infected individuals. Giardia lamblia (B) is a different protozoan that causes giardiasis and has a distinct morphology of a teardrop shape with flagella. Trypanosoma brucei (C) causes African sleeping sickness and Leishmania donovani (D) causes visceral leishmaniasis, both of which have different morphologies and clinical presentations compared to Trichomonas vaginalis.