microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces botulinum toxin, leading to botulism. It is commonly found in soil and improperly canned food. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Staphylococcus aureus causes food poisoning, and Salmonella enterica causes salmonellosis. Therefore, A is correct due to its association with botulism, while the other choices are incorrect for causing different diseases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Treponema pallidum. This is because Treponema pallidum is a thin spiral bacteria with 12-14 coils and pointed ends, which matches the description given in the question. Treponema pallidum is the causative agent of syphilis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Leptospira - Leptospira is a spiral-shaped bacteria, but it does not have the specific characteristics mentioned in the question. C: Borrelia - Borrelia is another spiral-shaped bacteria, but it does not match the specific features described in the question. D: Spirochaeta - Spirochaeta is a genus of spiral-shaped bacteria, but it does not fit the description of having 12-14 coils and pointed ends as mentioned in the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: rabbit fever. Tularemia is commonly known as rabbit fever due to the fact that it is often contracted through handling infected rabbits or other rodents. This zoonotic disease is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Scarlet fever (A) is a streptococcal infection characterized by a rash, not related to tularemia. Strep throat (B) is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria and is not associated with tularemia. Cat scratch fever (C) is caused by Bartonella henselae and typically transmitted through cat scratches or bites, not related to tularemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because antigenic drift is not caused by the exchange of genetic information between animal and human influenza viruses. Antigenic drift is actually due to point mutations in the genes that encode for the surface proteins of the virus, leading to small changes in the antigens. These mutations can affect the hemagglutinin of both type A and B influenza viruses, making choices A and C correct. Choice D is incorrect because antigenic drift can occur in both type A and B influenza viruses, with type B being less prone to drift compared to type A.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nystatin. Nystatin is an antifungal medication, not an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like generalized meningococcal infection. Penicillin G, macrolides, and chloramphenicol are antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections, including meningococcal infections. Penicillin G is the drug of choice for meningococcal infections, while macrolides and chloramphenicol are alternative options. Nystatin is not effective against bacteria, so it is not a suitable treatment for meningococcal infections.