Microbiology Test Bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protozoa. Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms, meaning they have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotes have complex cellular structures that include a nucleus, mitochondria, and other organelles. Therefore, protozoa are eukaryotes. Viruses (B) are not considered cells and lack cellular structures. Viroids (C) are smaller infectious agents that consist of only RNA, lacking the cellular structure of eukaryotes. Prions (D) are infectious proteins and do not possess cellular structures like eukaryotes. So, protozoa are the only choice that relates to eukaryotes due to their cellular structure.

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis). The presence of clue cells on the Gram-stained smears is characteristic of bacterial vaginosis. Clue cells are vaginal epithelial cells covered with bacteria, specifically Gardnerella vaginalis, which is the causative agent of bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms described by the patient - itching, burning, watery discharge with a fish-like smell - are classic signs of bacterial vaginosis. The absence of alterations in the cervix, uterus, and appendages rules out other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydiosis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Therefore, the most likely pathology in this case is bacterial vaginosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fifth disease. Rubella virus is associated with Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum. It is caused by parvovirus B19, not rubella virus. Mumps (choice A) is caused by the mumps virus. Roseola (choice B) is caused by human herpesvirus 6 or 7. Rubeola (choice C) is the scientific name for measles, caused by the measles virus. Therefore, the correct answer is Fifth disease as it is the disease associated with rubella virus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Gram-negative, comma-shaped bacterium suggests a curved rod morphology, typical of Campylobacter jejuni. Step 2: Motility is a characteristic of Campylobacter species. Step 3: Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of bacterial diarrhea in humans. Step 4: Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, not typically associated with comma-shaped morphology. Shigella dysenteriae and Escherichia coli are not comma-shaped.