microbiology a systems approach test bank

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood agar. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a fastidious bacterium that requires enriched media for growth. Blood agar provides the necessary nutrients and growth factors for the cultivation of S. pneumoniae, such as blood proteins and hemin. MacConkey agar (B) is selective for gram-negative bacteria and would not support the growth of S. pneumoniae. Peptone water (C) is a liquid medium that lacks the necessary nutrients for the growth of S. pneumoniae. Choice D is incorrect as blood agar is a suitable medium for cultivating S. pneumoniae.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reinfection. This is because the patient fully recovered from the initial syphilis infection after antibiotic therapy, indicating the elimination of the pathogen. Subsequently getting infected again with Treponema pallidum suggests a new exposure to the same pathogen, resulting in a new infection. Recurrence (B) would imply the reactivation of the same infection, which is not the case here. Superinfection (C) refers to a new infection that occurs on top of an existing infection, which is not the scenario described. Secondary infection (D) typically refers to an infection that occurs after an initial infection weakens the immune system, which is not the case in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because diphtheria is primarily spread through respiratory droplets and physical contact with an infected person. The bacteria responsible for diphtheria is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or sharing personal items. Swimming in contaminated water (A) does not spread diphtheria. Transmission (B) is a broad term and does not specifically address the mode of transmission for diphtheria. Contaminated food (D) is not a typical route of diphtheria transmission. Therefore, option C is the most accurate choice based on the known mode of transmission for diphtheria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium that commonly presents as cocci in clusters. It is a known causative agent of abscesses due to its ability to produce enzymes and toxins that contribute to tissue destruction. In this case, the presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters aligns with the characteristic morphology of Staphylococcus aureus. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Streptococcus pyogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that typically presents as cocci in chains, not clusters. It is more commonly associated with pharyngitis and skin infections rather than abscesses. C: Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive bacterium that typically presents as cocci in pairs or short chains, not clusters. It is more commonly associated with urinary tract infections and endocarditis. D: Micrococcus luteus is a Gram-positive bacterium that typically presents as t

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Mycobacterium leprae is the correct answer as it is the bacteria known to cause leprosy. 2. Clostridium perfringens is incorrect as it is associated with gas gangrene. 3. Streptococcus pneumoniae is incorrect as it is commonly linked to pneumonia and meningitis. 4. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is incorrect as it causes gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. In summary, Mycobacterium leprae is the only bacteria among the choices specifically known to cause leprosy, making it the correct answer.