microbiology test bank

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Phylum. After class in the classification system comes phylum. The classification system starts with the broadest category, which is the kingdom, followed by phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Phylum is a higher level of classification than class, so it comes next in the hierarchy. Domain is a higher level than kingdom, and order is a lower level of classification than class. Therefore, the correct sequence is kingdom, phylum, class, order.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Single stranded segmented (-) RNA. Orthomyxoviridae family includes influenza viruses, which have a genome composed of single-stranded segmented negative-sense RNA. This specific structure allows for efficient replication and transcription within host cells. Choice A is incorrect as orthomyxoviruses do not have a double-stranded DNA genome. Choice B is incorrect because orthomyxoviruses have a negative-sense RNA genome, not a positive-sense RNA genome. Choice C is incorrect as orthomyxoviruses do not have a double-stranded RNA genome.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The given characteristics match this bacterium: Gram-positive diplococci, catalase-negative, and alpha-hemolytic. S. pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Other choices are incorrect because Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive, Enterococcus faecalis is not alpha-hemolytic, and Klebsiella pneumoniae is not Gram-positive diplococci.

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.