microbiology an introduction test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary target of beta-lactam antibiotics is cell wall synthesis. These antibiotics inhibit enzymes called penicillin-binding proteins, which are essential for building the bacterial cell wall. By disrupting cell wall synthesis, beta-lactam antibiotics weaken the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death. Protein synthesis (Choice A), DNA replication (Choice B), and folic acid synthesis (Choice D) are not directly targeted by beta-lactam antibiotics, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: septicemia. Septicemia specifically refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, leading to a systemic inflammatory response. Bacteremia (choice A) is simply the presence of bacteria in the blood without the systemic inflammatory response. Shock (choice C) is a state of circulatory collapse, often seen in severe septicemia. Bloodborne infection (choice D) is a general term for infections transmitted through the blood but does not specifically refer to the condition of bacterial multiplication causing toxicity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Botulism. Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In this case, the patient's symptoms align with botulism due to the ingestion of homemade mushrooms. The symptoms of double vision, heavy breathing, paleness, widened pupils, swallowing difficulties, bradycardia, and constipation are all classic signs of botulism poisoning. The toxin affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis. The other choices (B: Yersiniosis, C: Leptospirosis, D: Salmonellosis) do not match the patient's symptoms and history of consuming mushrooms, making them incorrect.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces the neurotoxin responsible for botulism. Clostridium perfringens is associated with gas gangrene, not botulism. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, not botulism. Therefore, A is the correct choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because filoviruses, such as Ebola virus, require investigation in specifically equipped laboratories with high biological protection due to their high pathogenicity and risk of transmission. This is essential for ensuring the safety of researchers and preventing outbreaks. A: This is incorrect as filoviruses are not the most common cause of gastroenteritis; they primarily cause severe hemorrhagic fevers. C: Filoviruses are not widespread; they are typically confined to specific regions during outbreaks. D: Mass immunization is not used for filoviruses as there is no established vaccine for general prophylaxis.