microbiology basic and clinical principles test bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alpha-hemolytic streptococci. Streptococcus pneumoniae are classified as alpha-hemolytic streptococci based on their ability to partially break down red blood cells, causing a greenish discoloration on blood agar plates. This distinguishes them from beta-hemolytic streptococci, which completely break down red blood cells. Streptococcus pneumoniae are not resistant to bile (choice A), as they are bile soluble. They are not stained by the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method (choice C), which is used for acid-fast bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. They are sensitive to optochin (choice D), which is a key differentiating factor in identifying them from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ribosomes are the target for antibiotics as they interfere with protein synthesis in bacteria. Aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, and lincosamides all target ribosomes by inhibiting protein synthesis at different stages. Beta-lactam antibiotics target cell wall synthesis, not ribosomes. Antifolate compounds, quinolones, and raspicin target DNA synthesis and replication, not ribosomes. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it includes antibiotics that specifically target ribosomes for inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Yersinia pestis. Yersinia pestis is the bacterium responsible for causing the plague, specifically the bubonic plague. It is transmitted through fleas and rodents. Escherichia coli (A) is a common gut bacterium, Clostridium difficile (C) causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and Staphylococcus aureus (D) is associated with skin infections, but they are not responsible for causing the plague.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Salmonella enteritidis. Salmonellosis is typically caused by Salmonella species, with Salmonella enteritidis being one of the common culprits. Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever, not salmonellosis. Shigella flexneri is responsible for causing shigellosis, a different bacterial infection. Choosing "None of the above" is incorrect as Salmonella enteritidis is a known cause of salmonellosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lassa virus. The rationale is as follows: 1. Lassa virus belongs to the family Arenaviridae, known for causing Lassa fever. 2. Rabies virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family. 3. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus belongs to the Nairoviridae family. 4. Epstein-Barr virus belongs to the Herpesviridae family. In summary, Lassa virus is the correct answer because it is the only virus listed that belongs to the Arenaviridae family.