OpenStax Microbiology Test Bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium is known to form highly resistant spores that can survive for long periods in soil. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, a dangerous disease that can be transmitted to humans and animals. The other choices, Francisella tularensis, Brucella abortus, and Yersinia pestis, do not form spores as resistant as Bacillus anthracis. Therefore, only Bacillus anthracis is likely to have survived in the soil of the old burial ground for animal refuse for over 50 years.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: caliciviruses. Caliciviruses are known to be (+) ssRNA viruses that cause gastroenteritis in a wide range of animals, including birds, cats, dogs, pigs, sheep, cows, and humans. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread through contaminated food or water. Rotaviruses (A) are also a common cause of gastroenteritis, but they are not exclusively isolated from the mentioned animals. Adenoviruses (C) typically cause respiratory or eye infections, not gastroenteritis. Noroviruses (D) are also a major cause of gastroenteritis in humans, but they are not commonly found in animals other than humans.

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: Step 1: Chlorhexidine belongs to the group of biguanides, which are commonly used for disinfecting hands, skin, and mucous membranes. Step 2: It is known to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. Step 3: The usage of chlorhexidine in healthcare settings for preoperative skin preparation and surgical hand scrub is well-established. Step 4: The effectiveness and safety profile of chlorhexidine make it a preferred choice for disinfection purposes. Summary: - Option A is incorrect as chlorhexidine is not characterized by strong human toxicity. - Option B is incorrect as chlorhexidine is not classified as an alcohol and is primarily used for disinfecting hands, skin, and mucous membranes. - Option D is incorrect as chlorhexidine has a wide range of applications in disinfection, especially in healthcare settings.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Antitoxic passive immunity. Antibotulinic serum contains pre-formed antibodies against the botulinum toxin, providing immediate protection to the patient. This is passive immunity as the patient does not produce their antibodies but receives them externally. Choice B is incorrect as botulism is not an infection, so the patient does not develop infection immunity. Choice C is incorrect because active immunity involves the body producing its antibodies after exposure to an antigen, which is not the case here. Choice D is incorrect as antimicrobic immunity relates to protection against microbes, not toxins like in botulism.