openstax microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Air. In transmissive infections, the vector refers to the means by which the infectious agent is transmitted from one host to another. Air can carry pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, leading to respiratory infections like the flu or tuberculosis. Airborne transmission occurs when droplets containing the pathogens are inhaled. Objects (B), medical devices (C), and water (D) can also transmit infections, but they are not specifically related to transmissive infections. Objects and medical devices can harbor pathogens, while waterborne infections are transmitted through contaminated water sources. However, in the context of transmissive infections, the primary vector is the air due to its ability to carry infectious agents over distances.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Treponema pallidum. This bacterium is responsible for causing syphilis due to its unique spiral shape and ability to penetrate mucous membranes. It is transmitted through sexual contact or from mother to child during childbirth. Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia, and Escherichia coli is a common bacterium found in the gut. Therefore, they are not responsible for syphilis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thermophiles. Thermophiles are bacteria that thrive in high temperatures typically above 45�C. They have specialized enzymes and cellular structures that allow them to survive and even thrive in extreme heat. Psychrophiles (A) are adapted to cold temperatures, mesophiles (B) thrive at moderate temperatures, and halophiles (D) prefer high salt concentrations, making them unsuitable for extreme heat survival. Therefore, Thermophiles are the only bacteria among the choices that are known for their ability to survive in extreme heat.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Tularemia is caused by Francisella tularensis, a highly infectious bacterium. 2. Francisella tularensis is the only pathogen specifically known to cause tularemia. 3. The other choices (Bordetella pertussis, Brucella suis, Legionella sp.) are not associated with tularemia. 4. Therefore, the correct answer is A - Francisella tularensis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoa that causes the sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis. The presence of an undulating membrane in vaginal discharge samples is characteristic of Trichomonas vaginalis. Giardia lamblia causes gastrointestinal illness, not vaginal infections. Trypanosoma brucei causes African sleeping sickness transmitted by tsetse flies. Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies.