microbiology an evolving science test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is responsible for causing tetanus due to its production of tetanus toxin. Clostridium perfringens (B) causes gas gangrene, Streptococcus pyogenes (C) causes strep throat and skin infections, and Escherichia coli (D) is a common gut bacteria that can cause food poisoning but not tetanus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes infections, not influenza. Tamiflu, Amantadine, and Relenza are all antiviral drugs commonly used to treat influenza. Acyclovir works by inhibiting the replication of herpes viruses, so it is not effective against the influenza virus. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: scalp. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection that specifically affects the scalp. This infection is caused by dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments. It typically presents with symptoms such as scaling, itching, and hair loss on the scalp. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because tinea pedis (athlete's foot) affects the feet, oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth, and tinea manuum affects the hands. By process of elimination and understanding the specific characteristics of tinea capitis, we can determine that the scalp is the correct location for this fungal infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Polymorphonuclear leukocyte. APCs are specialized immune cells that present antigens to T cells. B cells and dendritic cells are classic examples of APCs, as they can efficiently present antigens. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes, such as neutrophils, are not considered traditional APCs because they are primarily involved in phagocytosis and killing of pathogens rather than antigen presentation. Therefore, they do not play a significant role in initiating adaptive immune responses. The incorrect choices are A (B cell) and C (Dendritic cell) because they are both well-known antigen-presenting cells in the immune system. Choice D (All of the above) is incorrect because B cells and dendritic cells are indeed antigen-presenting cells.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Endospore. Endospores are dormant, tough, and non-reproductive structures formed by certain bacteria as a response to unfavorable conditions. They help bacteria survive harsh environments such as extreme temperatures, desiccation, and exposure to harmful chemicals. The other choices, Flagella (A), Capsule (B), and Pili (D), do not directly contribute to bacterial survival in adverse conditions. Flagella aid in bacterial movement, capsules provide protection from immune system attacks, and pili are involved in attachment to surfaces or other cells. Endospores are specifically designed for survival during unfavorable conditions, making them the correct choice in this scenario.