medical microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because bacterial enzymes like amylase and protease catalyze biochemical reactions like digestion. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates, while protease breaks down proteins. This process is essential for bacterial metabolism and nutrient acquisition. Choice A (Break down toxins) is incorrect because bacterial enzymes are primarily involved in nutrient breakdown, not toxin degradation. Choice B (Facilitate movement) is incorrect as enzymes are not directly involved in bacterial movement. Choice D (Promote spore formation) is incorrect because enzymes like amylase and protease are not directly involved in spore formation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Protoplast. Lipopolysaccharides of Gram-negative bacteria consist of three main components: O-specific polysaccharide chain, R-specific polysaccharide chain, and Lipid A. Protoplast is not a component of lipopolysaccharides. O-specific polysaccharide chain is responsible for serotype specificity, R-specific polysaccharide chain varies among strains, and Lipid A is the endotoxin component. Protoplast refers to a bacterial cell devoid of a cell wall, which is not a component of lipopolysaccharides.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Method of Ziel-Neelsen. This method uses a special stain (carbol fuchsin) to detect acid-fast organisms like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. The staining procedure involves heating the slide to help penetrate the mycolic acid layer of the bacteria, making them resistant to decolorization by acid-alcohol. The red stained acid-fast bacilli stand out against the blue counterstain. This method is specific for identifying tubercle bacilli in sputum samples. Choice B: Method of Romanowsky-Giemsa is used for staining blood smears and is not suitable for detecting acid-fast bacilli in sputum. Choice C: Method of Gram is used for staining bacteria based on their cell wall composition and is not effective for identifying acid-fast bacilli like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Choice D: Method of Neisser is not a specific staining method for acid-fast bacilli and is not suitable

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Endospore. Endospores are highly resistant structures formed by certain bacterial species to withstand harsh conditions like desiccation. They contain a tough outer layer that protects the bacterial DNA and other essential components. Capsules (choice A) provide protection against host immune responses but not specifically against desiccation. Flagella (choice B) are used for bacterial motility. Pili (choice D) are involved in bacterial adhesion but do not protect against desiccation. Therefore, endospores are the most suitable choice for protecting against desiccation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chlamydia trachomatis. Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis serovars L1, L2, and L3. These serovars infect the lymphatic system leading to swelling and inflammation. Choice A, Chlamydia pneumoniae, is associated with respiratory infections, not LGV. Choice B, Chlamydia psittaci, causes psittacosis in birds and humans. Choice C, Mycoplasma genitalium, is a separate STI but is not the causative agent for LGV. The key to the correct answer is understanding the specific pathogen responsible for LGV based on its clinical presentation and mode of transmission.