microbiology chapter 12 test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterium is known for causing Lyme disease, which is transmitted through tick bites. Borrelia burgdorferi is specifically associated with Lyme disease due to its ability to infect and spread within the body, leading to a range of symptoms if left untreated. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Clostridium difficile - Known for causing gastrointestinal infections, not Lyme disease. C: Streptococcus pneumoniae - Commonly causes pneumonia and other respiratory infections, not Lyme disease. D: Mycobacterium tuberculosis - Causes tuberculosis, a respiratory disease, not Lyme disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Syphilitic granulomas (gummas). In the tertiary stage of syphilis, gummas, which are soft, tumor-like growths, can develop in various organs such as the skin, bones, liver, and brain. This stage typically occurs years after the initial infection and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Purulent exudation from the urethra (B) is not specific to syphilis and may indicate other infections. Non-tender chancre (C) is characteristic of the primary stage of syphilis, not the tertiary stage. Diffuse maculopapular rash (D) is more commonly seen in the secondary stage of syphilis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: mutualism. In mutualism, both organisms benefit from the relationship. This is because they provide each other with resources or services that help both parties. In contrast, commensalism (A) is a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Parasitism (C) is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Competition (D) is a relationship where both organisms are negatively affected as they compete for limited resources. Therefore, mutualism is the correct answer as it describes a mutually beneficial relationship between two organisms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helicobacter. Helicobacter pylori is the main causative agent of peptic ulcer disease and is characterized by its gram-negative arcuate bent shape and positive urease activity. Helicobacter pylori specifically colonizes the stomach mucosa and is associated with various gastrointestinal disorders. Spirochetes (choice B), spirilla (choice C), and Leptospira (choice D) are not typically associated with peptic ulcer disease or stomach mucosa infections, making them incorrect choices in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium causes food poisoning by producing enterotoxins that lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Staphylococcus aureus can survive in various food items and multiply rapidly, producing toxins that are heat-stable. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism due to neurotoxins, not enterotoxins. Salmonella enterica causes gastrointestinal infections, not primarily food poisoning. Vibrio cholerae causes cholera by producing a toxin that leads to severe watery diarrhea and dehydration, not enterotoxins like Staphylococcus aureus.