McGraw Hill Microbiology Test Bank

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Kitt-Tarozzi medium. This medium is specifically designed for the isolation and cultivation of Clostridium tetani, the bacteria responsible for tetanus. The other options, Sabouraud agar, Endo agar, and Hiss medium, are not suitable for the growth of Clostridium tetani. Sabouraud agar is used for fungal cultures, Endo agar is a selective medium for enteric bacteria, and Hiss medium is used for the cultivation of anaerobic bacteria other than Clostridium tetani. Therefore, the Kitt-Tarozzi medium is the most appropriate choice for isolating and identifying the tetanus agent in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: HSV-1. Herpes simplex infections on lips and in the mouth are most commonly caused by HSV-1 due to its preference for infecting oral mucosa. HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes. HSV-6 and HSV-7 are less common and not typically associated with oral infections. Therefore, based on the typical presentation and epidemiology of herpes simplex infections, HSV-1 is the most likely cause in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acid-fast cell wall. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is characterized by its unique cell wall composition, containing high levels of mycolic acids which make it acid-fast. This property allows it to resist decolorization during acid-fast staining procedures. This distinguishes it from other bacteria. A: Producing spores is not a key feature of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Spore formation is more commonly associated with bacterial species such as Bacillus and Clostridium. B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not Gram-negative. It is classified as acid-fast Gram-positive. D: Mycobacterium tuberculosis does not produce toxins as a key feature. Its pathogenicity is more closely related to its ability to evade host immune responses and persist in host tissues.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Picornaviridae. Picornaviruses, such as enteroviruses, are commonly found in the feces of infected individuals. Therefore, their presence in water indicates fecal contamination and the need for additional purification. B: Herpesviridae are not typically associated with fecal contamination. C: Flaviviridae are mainly transmitted through arthropods like mosquitoes, not fecal contamination. D: Retroviridae, including HIV, are not typically excreted in high levels in feces and are not indicators of fecal contamination.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because antigens can be composed of lipids, proteins, or polysaccharides. Antigens are molecules that can elicit an immune response in the body. They can be diverse in their chemical composition, leading to the recognition and response by the immune system. Therefore, the correct choice is D as antigens can be any of these chemical components. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they each represent a possible chemical composition of antigens, but the flexibility of antigens to be made up of any of these components makes D the most accurate choice.