medical microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is responsible for causing botulism due to its production of botulinum toxin, which is one of the most potent neurotoxins known. Clostridium botulinum thrives in anaerobic conditions like improperly canned foods. Staphylococcus aureus (B), Bacillus anthracis (C), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (D) do not produce the botulinum toxin and are not associated with botulism. Staphylococcus aureus is known for causing food poisoning, Bacillus anthracis for anthrax, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for various infections, but not botulism.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above," because all three bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) can cause urinary tract infections. E. coli is the most common causative agent of UTIs, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and occasionally Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Each of these bacteria has different virulence factors that enable them to infect the urinary tract. Therefore, it is important to consider all three options when diagnosing and treating UTIs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of those bacteria can individually cause UTIs, so the correct answer is D, as it encompasses all the possible causative agents.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: tapeworms. Taeniasis is specifically caused by tapeworms of the Taenia species, such as Taenia solium. These parasitic worms infect the intestines of humans through consumption of contaminated food or water. Ringworms (choice A), hookworms (choice B), and pinworms (choice D) are all different types of parasites that cause distinct infections in the body, not taeniasis. Tapeworms are the only organisms among the choices that are directly associated with taeniasis due to their unique life cycle and mode of infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani is responsible for causing tetanus due to its production of tetanospasmin toxin. This neurotoxin leads to muscle stiffness and spasms characteristic of tetanus. Clostridium perfringens is associated with gas gangrene, not tetanus. Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat and skin infections, not tetanus. Escherichia coli is a common gut bacteria and is not responsible for tetanus. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer for causing tetanus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rifampicin. Rifampicin can cause red-orange discoloration of bodily fluids like urine due to its metabolism. This phenomenon is harmless but alarming to patients. Isoniazid (B) can cause peripheral neuropathy, Pyrazinamide (C) can cause hyperuricemia, and Ethambutol (D) can cause optic neuropathy.