Foundations in Microbiology Test Bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (coli index of 250 and coli titer of 4). The coli index is calculated by multiplying the number of colonies by the reciprocal of the volume filtered, which gives 2 colonies x (1/0.5 L) = 4. The coli titer is obtained by dividing the volume filtered by the number of colonies, which gives 0.5 L / 2 colonies = 0.25 L or 250 ml. This indicates the concentration of coliform bacteria in the water sample. Choice A (4 and 250) is incorrect because it has the correct coli index but the values are reversed for coli index and coli titer. Choice B (2 and 500) is incorrect as it provides the correct coli titer value but the values are reversed for coli index and coli titer. Choice D (500 and 2) is incorrect because it reverses the values for both coli index and coli titer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common Gram-negative rod that is a non-lactose fermenter and a common cause of severe pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It is also known for its resistance to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. Summary of other choices: B: Escherichia coli is a lactose fermenter and is not commonly associated with severe pneumonia. C: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a lactose fermenter and is more commonly associated with pneumonia in alcoholics or debilitated patients. D: Enterobacter cloacae is a lactose fermenter and is not a common cause of severe pneumonia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Treponema. The characteristics described match Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. Treponema has long, spiral shape with 8-12 regular coils. Leptospira (B) is a spirochete but has fewer coils and causes leptospirosis. Borrelia (C) is another spirochete but typically has irregular coils and causes Lyme disease. Vibrios (D) are curved rods and not spirochetes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is responsible for causing tuberculosis as it specifically infects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. Mycobacterium leprae (A) causes leprosy, Streptococcus pneumoniae (B) causes pneumonia, and Clostridium botulinum (D) causes botulism, making them incorrect choices for tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis has unique characteristics and mechanisms that enable it to cause tuberculosis, such as its ability to evade the immune system and form granulomas in the lungs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Q-fever is not transmitted only after ticks bite; it can also be transmitted through inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Rickettsia mooseri and Rickettsia provazekii can cause spotted fevers, making choice A correct. Mediterranean fever is associated with a recurrent pattern of fever, not maculopapular rash, making choice C incorrect. "None of the above" is not correct in this case as choice B is incorrect.