medical microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium is a Gram-negative diplococcus commonly associated with meningitis. The patient's symptoms of fever, headache, and neck stiffness are classic signs of meningococcal meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is known to cause outbreaks in crowded settings. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Choice B) is a common cause of bacterial meningitis but typically appears as Gram-positive cocci. Haemophilus influenzae (Choice C) can also cause meningitis but is more commonly seen in unvaccinated children. Klebsiella pneumoniae (Choice D) is a Gram-negative bacterium but is not a typical causative agent of meningitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Define sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as infections primarily spread through sexual contact. Step 2: Understand that STIs can also be transmitted through non-sexual means like blood transfusions. Step 3: Recognize that choice C is incorrect as it limits STIs to only sexually transmitted infections. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is C as it does not encompass all possible modes of transmission for STIs. Summary: Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they all accurately describe the characteristics of sexually transmitted infections, while choice C is incorrect as it excludes other potential modes of transmission for STIs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: ensure survival under harsh conditions. Bacterial endospores are dormant, resistant structures that form under adverse conditions to protect the bacterial DNA and allow the bacterium to survive extreme environments. This function is crucial for the bacterium's long-term survival. Choice A is incorrect as endospores do not directly produce exotoxins. Choice B is incorrect as endospores do not store nutrients but rather protect the bacterium's genetic material. Choice D is incorrect as endospores do not enhance motility but rather enable survival during unfavorable conditions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all of these symptoms are early signs of rabies. A short period of depression, nausea, and restlessness are common initial symptoms of rabies infection. These symptoms may be followed by more severe manifestations, such as aggression, confusion, and difficulty swallowing. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it encompasses all the early symptoms of rabies. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they focus on individual symptoms, whereas rabies typically presents with a combination of these early signs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces the neurotoxin responsible for botulism. It thrives in anaerobic environments like improperly canned foods. Clostridium difficile (B) causes colitis, not botulism. Staphylococcus aureus (C) causes food poisoning but not botulism. Escherichia coli (D) can cause gastrointestinal illness but not botulism.