mastering microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium produces a toxin that causes diphtheria by inhibiting protein synthesis, leading to the formation of a pseudomembrane in the throat. Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat, and Neisseria meningitidis causes meningitis. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the only bacterium among the choices known to cause diphtheria due to its specific toxin production.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Before antibiotic therapy is begun. Detecting penicillin-resistant, beta-lactamase-producing strains before antibiotic therapy is crucial to ensure proper treatment. If detected after therapy (choice A), it may lead to treatment failure. Detection during therapy (choice C) may result in delayed or ineffective treatment. Choice D is incorrect as early detection is essential for successful management.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Trimethoprim. Trimethoprim is a folate antagonist that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme essential for folate metabolism in bacteria. This disrupts bacterial DNA synthesis, leading to bacteriostatic effects. Methyl Penicillin (A) is a beta-lactam antibiotic that interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Vancomycin (C) inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding to D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of cell wall precursors. Gentamicin (D) inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mantoux test. The Mantoux test is used to screen for tuberculosis by injecting PPD intradermally. The presence of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction indicates prior exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Schick test (B) is used to test for immunity to diphtheria, while the Dick test (C) is used to test for immunity to scarlet fever. Therefore, the correct use of PPD is in the Mantoux test for tuberculosis screening.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Adenoviruses are known to have icosahedral capsids, not helical. Step 2: Helical capsids are typically found in viruses like tobacco mosaic virus. Step 3: Therefore, the statement that adenoviruses have helical capsids is FALSE. Summary: A is incorrect as adenoviruses do not have helical capsids. C is incorrect as there is no situation where adenoviruses have helical capsids. D is incorrect as there is a clear correct answer, which is B.