microbiology basic and clinical principles test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Head lice. Epidemic typhus is transmitted by the body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus, which is different from the head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis. Head lice are not known to transmit epidemic typhus. Body lice are the primary vectors for transmitting epidemic typhus. Fleas are vectors for other diseases such as plague, not epidemic typhus. Ticks are vectors for various diseases but not for epidemic typhus. Therefore, the correct vector for epidemic typhus transmission is body lice, making choice A the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Immunity after a single tetanus vaccination is of limited duration, usually around 10 years. Booster vaccinations are needed to maintain protection due to waning immunity over time. Choice A is incorrect as immunity is not usually lifelong. Choice C is incorrect as tetanus toxoid is a sterile vaccine and does not cause infection. Choice D is also incorrect as there is a correct answer, which is B.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monoclonal antibodies to anthrax causative agent. Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific for detecting anthrax spores, providing quick and accurate results. They bind only to the anthrax causative agent, allowing for precise identification. Choice A (Anti-anthrax fluorescent serum) is incorrect because it is not as specific and sensitive as monoclonal antibodies. Choice B (Standard anthrax antigen) is incorrect as it is used to stimulate antibody production in the body, not for direct detection of spores. Choice C (Anti-anthrax immunoglobulin) is incorrect as it is a general term for antibodies and may not be specific to anthrax spores. In summary, monoclonal antibodies are the most suitable option for quick and accurate detection of anthrax spores due to their high specificity and sensitivity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The capsule of Bacillus anthracis is made of polypeptide. This is because the capsule is composed of a protein-based material that surrounds the bacterium, providing protection and aiding in its virulence. Polysaccharides, lipids, and the absence of capsules are not characteristic of Bacillus anthracis' capsule structure, making choices A, C, and D incorrect, respectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because bacteremia can be caused by a variety of bacteria including S.epidermidis, E.coli, S.aureus, P.aeruginosa, K.pneumoniae, and resident skin diphtheroids. Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can occur due to infections from various sources. Choices A and B include common bacteria known to cause bacteremia, while choice C refers to resident skin diphtheroids that can also enter the bloodstream under certain conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it encompasses all the possible etiological causes of bacteremia.