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  • Question 1 - A 32-year-old woman presents with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea that has been...

    Correct

    • A 32-year-old woman presents with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea that has been going on for 3 days.

      Among the following microorganisms, which is considered to be a cause of infectious bloody diarrhoea?

      Your Answer: Entamoeba histolytica

      Explanation:

      The following are organisms that are capable of producing acute, bloody diarrhoea:
      – Campylobacter jejuni
      – Escherichia coli O157:H7
      – Salmonella species
      – Shigella species
      – Yersinia species
      – Entamoeba histolytica

      Other E. coli strains, Giardia, Vibrio, and other parasites are associated with watery, but not bloody, diarrhoea.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      144.1
      Seconds
  • Question 2 - A patient presents with nausea, anorexia, jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. A...

    Correct

    • A patient presents with nausea, anorexia, jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. A diagnosis of acute hepatitis B is suspected.
      Which of the following blood results is most suggestive of an acute hepatitis B infection? Select ONE answer only.

      Your Answer: HBsAg positive, IgM anti-HBc positive

      Explanation:

      Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus, that is the first serologic marker to appear in a new acute infection.It can be detected as early as 1 week and as late as 9 weeks. It can be detected in high levels in serum during acute or chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious. The body normally produces antibodies to HBsAg as part of the normal immune response to infection. HBsAg is the antigen used to make hepatitis B vaccine.
      Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) indicates recovery and immunity from the hepatitis B virus infection. Anti-HBs also develops in a person who has been successfully vaccinated against hepatitis B.
      Total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc): Appears at the onset of symptoms in acute hepatitis B and persists for life. The presence of anti-HBc indicates previous or ongoing infection with hepatitis B virus in an undefined time frame. It is not present following hepatitis B vaccination.
      IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc) indicates recent infection with hepatitis B virus (<6 months). Its presence indicates acute infection.
      The following table summarises the presence of hepatitis B markers according to each situation:
      Susceptible to infection:
      HBsAg = Negative
      Anti-HBc = Negative
      Anti-HBs = Negative

      Immune due to natural infection:
      HBsAg = Negative
      Anti-HBc = Positive
      Anti-HBs = Positive

      Immune due to vaccination:
      HBsAg = Negative
      Anti-HBc = Negative
      Anti-HBs = Positive

      Acute infection:
      HBsAg = Positive
      Anti-HBc = Positive
      Anti-HBs = Negative
      IgM anti-HBc = Positive

      Chronic infection:
      HBsAg = Positive
      Anti-HBc = Positive
      Anti-HBs = Negative
      IgM anti-HBc = Negative

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      89.2
      Seconds
  • Question 3 - Regarding hepatitis B, which of the following statements is CORRECT: ...

    Incorrect

    • Regarding hepatitis B, which of the following statements is CORRECT:

      Your Answer: Antivirals are indicated for acute hepatitis B infection.

      Correct Answer: Chronic hepatitis B infection is indicated by the persistence of HBsAg for more than 6 months.

      Explanation:

      Chronic hepatitis B infection is indicated by the persistence of HBsAg for more than 6 months. Hepatitis B has a long incubation period of about 2 – 6 months. Hepatitis B vaccine has recently been introduced to the routine childhood immunisation schedule – given at 2, 3 and 4 months. It is also given to babies born to hepatitis B infected mothers at birth, four weeks and 12 months old. Treatment of acute hepatitis is supportive. Treatment with antivirals should be considered in chronic infection as responders have a reduced risk of liver damage and liver cancer in the long term.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      274.9
      Seconds
  • Question 4 - Regarding Campylobacter gastroenteritis, which of the following statements is INCORRECT: ...

    Correct

    • Regarding Campylobacter gastroenteritis, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:

      Your Answer: Infection usually requires antibiotic treatment.

      Explanation:

      Campylobacter jejuni is the primary human pathogen, typically causing dysentery (bloody diarrhoea illness) following ingestion of contaminated meat, especially poultry. Infection is typically self-limiting and does not require antibiotic therapy. Campylobacter gastroenteritis is associated with the immune-mediated complications of Guillain-Barre syndrome, reactive arthritis and Reiter’s syndrome.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      273.3
      Seconds
  • Question 5 - What is the primary route of transmission of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae? ...

    Correct

    • What is the primary route of transmission of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae?

      Your Answer: Sexually transmitted

      Explanation:

      Neisseria gonorrhoeae is primarily spread by sexual contact or through transmission during childbirth. It causes gonorrhoea which is a purulent infection of the mucous membrane surfaces.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      76.7
      Seconds
  • Question 6 - A 65-year-old man presents with cough and shortness of breath. His sputum is...

    Correct

    • A 65-year-old man presents with cough and shortness of breath. His sputum is rusty in colour and is suffering from a fever. Upon examination, it was noted that he has crackles in the right upper lobe. A chest X-ray showed the presence of a right upper lobe cavitation.

      Among the following microorganisms, which is considered to be mostly associated with a cavitating upper lobe pneumonia?

      Your Answer: Klebsiella pneumoniae

      Explanation:

      Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the most common Gram-negative bacteria encountered by physicians worldwide and accounts for 0.5-5.0% of all cases of pneumonia. This organism can cause extensive pulmonary necrosis and frequent cavitation.

      It is one of the causes that could be suspected when there is cavitatory pneumonia with or without a bulging fissure sign. Often, there can be extensive lobar opacification with air bronchograms.

      A helpful feature which may help to distinguish from pneumococcal pneumonia is that Klebsiella pneumoniae develops cavitation in 30-50% of cases (in comparison, cavitation is rare in pneumococcal pneumonia). This occurs early and progresses quickly.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      215.8
      Seconds
  • Question 7 - A patient with abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea develops a low platelet...

    Incorrect

    • A patient with abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea develops a low platelet count and deranged renal function. A diagnosis of haemolytic uraemic syndrome is made.
      Which of the following organisms is a recognised cause of haemolytic uraemic syndrome? Select ONE answer only.

      Your Answer: Streptococcus pyogenes

      Correct Answer: Escherichia coli

      Explanation:

      E.Colistrain 0157 causes enterohaemorrhagic diarrhoea and can be followed by haemolytic uraemic syndrome (renal failure, haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia).

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      379.9
      Seconds
  • Question 8 - Which of these organisms is commonly spread by droplet transmission? ...

    Incorrect

    • Which of these organisms is commonly spread by droplet transmission?

      Your Answer: Rotavirus

      Correct Answer: Neisseria meningitidis

      Explanation:

      Droplets are airborne particles greater than 5 µm in size. Droplet transmission occurs during talking, coughing and sneezing where respiratory droplets are generated.

      Examples of organisms transmitted by the droplet route include:
      Neisseria meningitidis
      Respiratory syncytial virus
      Parainfluenza virus
      Bordetella pertussis
      Influenza virus

      Poliovirus and Rotavirus are transmitted by the faeco-oral route

      Hepatitis B is transmitted by Sexual route

      Staphylococcus aureus is transmitted by direct contact

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Principles Of Microbiology
      75
      Seconds
  • Question 9 - A 30-year-old man presents with diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. A stool...

    Incorrect

    • A 30-year-old man presents with diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. A stool culture was ordered and showed growth of Salmonella spp.

      Among the following serotypes of Salmonella spp., which is considered to be the most common cause of salmonella gastroenteritis?

      Your Answer: Serotype E

      Correct Answer: Serotype D

      Explanation:

      A common cause of gastroenteritis, Salmonella enteritidis, and Salmonella typhi, which causes enteric fever, are both group D. Therefore, serotype D Salmonella species are most commonly associated with gastroenteritis.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      375.4
      Seconds
  • Question 10 - A 56-year-old man presents with pneumonia 8 days after being admitted for an...

    Incorrect

    • A 56-year-old man presents with pneumonia 8 days after being admitted for an open fracture of his tibia and fibula. Upon history taking and observation, it was established that he has no known drug allergies, has coarse left basal crackles and evidence of consolidation in the left lower lobe based on his chest X-ray.

      Which of the following antibacterial agents would be the most appropriate to prescribe according to the latest NICE guidelines?

      Your Answer: Co-amoxiclav

      Correct Answer: Ciprofloxacin

      Explanation:

      The current NICE guidelines for hospital-acquired pneumonia are as follow:
      – First-choice oral antibiotic if non‑severe symptoms or signs, and not at higher risk of resistance (guided by microbiological results when available): co-amoxiclav

      – Alternative oral antibiotics if non‑severe symptoms or signs, and not at higher risk of resistance, for penicillin allergy or if co‑amoxiclav unsuitable (based on specialist microbiological advice and local resistance data): doxycycline, cefalexin, co-trimoxazole, levofloxacin

      – First-choice intravenous antibiotics if severe symptoms or signs (for example, symptoms or signs of sepsis) or at higher risk of resistance (based on specialist microbiological advice and local resistance data): piperacillin with tazobactam, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, meropenem, ceftazidime with avibactam, levofloxacin

      – Antibiotics to be added if suspected or confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection (dual therapy with a first-choice intravenous antibiotic): vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Principles Of Microbiology
      152.3
      Seconds
  • Question 11 - A 10-year-old girl that appears systemically well presents with a honey-crusted scab close...

    Correct

    • A 10-year-old girl that appears systemically well presents with a honey-crusted scab close to the corner of her mouth and states that the area is slightly itchy but not painful. The diagnosis given was impetigo.

      What is most likely the mode of transmission of the causative agent of the said diagnosis?

      Your Answer: Direct contact

      Explanation:

      Impetigo is a common pyoderma that is most often seen in children. Historically, most cases were caused by group A streptococci (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes), although S. aureus has become the predominant pathogen over the last 15 years.

      A bullous form of impetigo accounts for approximately 10% of cases. It is caused by strains of S. aureus that produce exfoliative toxins leading to the formation of bullae, which quickly rupture and form a transparent, light brown crust.

      Impetigo is spread mainly by person-to-person contact; it is rapidly spread through direct transmission. The diagnosis of impetigo can be made from a Gram stain and culture of the vesicular contents.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Principles Of Microbiology
      79.1
      Seconds
  • Question 12 - A 26-year-old woman is currently 9 weeks pregnant. Upon interview and history taking,...

    Correct

    • A 26-year-old woman is currently 9 weeks pregnant. Upon interview and history taking, she mentioned that she visited a friend whose child had just been diagnosed with slapped cheek disease.

      If the mother contracts an illness during pregnancy, which among the following is not known to cause fetal abnormalities?

      Your Answer: Hepatitis A

      Explanation:

      Hepatitis A usually doesn’t pose a special risk to a pregnant woman or her baby. Maternal infection doesn’t result in birth defects, and a mother typically doesn’t transmit the infection to her baby. HAV is almost always transmitted by the faecal-oral route and is usually acquired through close personal contact or via contaminated food.

      When a woman has chickenpox in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, there is a 1 in 50 chance for the baby to develop a set of birth defects. This is called the congenital varicella syndrome. It includes scars, defects of muscle and bone, malformed and paralyzed limbs, small head size, blindness, seizures, and intellectual disability.

      TORCH Syndrome refers to infection of a developing foetus or newborn by any of a group of infectious agents. “TORCH” is an acronym meaning (T)toxoplasmosis, (O)ther Agents, (R)ubella (also known as German Measles), (C)ytomegalovirus, and (H)erpes Simplex.
      Infection with any of these agents may cause a constellation of similar symptoms in affected newborns. These may include fever; difficulties feeding; small areas of bleeding under the skin, causing the appearance of small reddish or purplish spots; enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly); yellowish discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes (jaundice); hearing impairment; abnormalities of the eyes; and other symptoms and findings.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      283.9
      Seconds
  • Question 13 - Infection with Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common risk factors for...

    Correct

    • Infection with Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common risk factors for which of the following conditions?

      Your Answer: Guillain-Barre syndrome

      Explanation:

      One of the most common risk factors for GBS is infection with Campylobacter jejuni, which causes diarrhoea.

      Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis.

      Infection with Streptococcus pyogenes can cause acute glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever.

      Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is commonly linked to E. coli infection.

      Following measles infection, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis develops.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      66.1
      Seconds
  • Question 14 - A young man develops an infection spread via aerosol transmission.

    Which of these organisms...

    Correct

    • A young man develops an infection spread via aerosol transmission.

      Which of these organisms is commonly spread by aerosol transmission?

      Your Answer: Measles virus

      Explanation:

      Aerosols are airborne particles less than 5 µm in size, containing infective organisms that usually cause infection of the upper or lower respiratory tract.

      Examples of organisms commonly spread by aerosol transmission are:
      Measles virus
      Varicella zoster virus
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis

      The following table summarises the various routes of transmission with example organisms:
      Route of transmission
      Example organisms
      Aerosol (airborne particle < 5 µm)
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      Varicella zoster virus
      Measles virus

      Hepatitis A and Rotavirus are spread by the faeco-oral route.

      Neisseria gonorrhoea is spread by sexual route.

      Staphylococcus aureus is spread by direct contact.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Principles Of Microbiology
      276.4
      Seconds
  • Question 15 - You see a patient in the ED with photophobia, petechial rash, headache and...

    Incorrect

    • You see a patient in the ED with photophobia, petechial rash, headache and neck stiffness, and suspect a diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis.

      What is the most appropriate initial management?

      Your Answer: Give benzylpenicillin 1.2 g IM

      Correct Answer: Give ceftriaxone 2 g IV

      Explanation:

      Treatment should be commenced with antibiotics immediately before laboratory confirmation due to the potentially life-threatening nature of the disease.

      In a hospital setting, 2g of IV ceftriaxone (80 mg/kg for a child) or IV cefotaxime (2 g adult; 80 mg/kg child) are the drugs of choice.
      In the prehospital setting, IM benzylpenicillin can be given as an alternative.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      345.9
      Seconds
  • Question 16 - A 6-year-old female is brought to the Ophthalmology Clinic by her mother with...

    Incorrect

    • A 6-year-old female is brought to the Ophthalmology Clinic by her mother with the complaint of itching, redness, and a watery discharge of the right eye. Past medical history revealed an upper respiratory tract infection one week ago.

      On examination of the right eye, there is mild erythema of the palpebral conjunctiva and visible follicles seen on eversion of the eyelid, lid oedema, and subconjunctival petechial haemorrhages. The discharge is watery and not purulent.

      You diagnose her with viral conjunctivitis. According to the current NICE guidelines, which ONE of the following management options would NOT be included for this patient?

      Your Answer: Lubricating drops can be prescribed to help manage her symptoms

      Correct Answer: The child should be excluded from school until the infection has resolved

      Explanation:

      The NICE guidelines do NOT recommend isolating a patient with viral conjunctivitis from others or skipping school or work. The disease is contagious, but the spread of the disease can be controlled by maintaining good hygiene practices such as:
      1. frequent hand washing
      2. use of separate flannels and towels
      3. Avoid close contact with others

      Antibiotic prescriptions are not part of the NICE guidelines for viral conjunctivitis as they will not affect the course of the disease. Most cases of viral conjunctivitis are self-limiting and resolve within one to two weeks.

      The NICE guidelines recommend that symptoms may be eased with self-care measures such as:
      1. Bathing/cleaning the eyelids with cotton wool soaked in sterile saline or boiled and cooled water to remove any discharge
      2. Cool compresses applied gently around the eye area
      3. Use of lubricating drops or artificial tears

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      458.1
      Seconds
  • Question 17 - Regarding gas gangrene, which of the following statements is CORRECT: ...

    Correct

    • Regarding gas gangrene, which of the following statements is CORRECT:

      Your Answer: Infection is characterised by rapidly spreading tissue myonecrosis with crepitus.

      Explanation:

      Gas gangrene usually occurs within 3 days of injury, and is characterised by pain, rapidly spreading oedema, myositis, necrosis, palpable crepitus and systemic toxicity. Diagnosis is clinical and laboratory confirmation should not delay urgent surgical intervention. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be considered in addition to surgery and antibiotic therapy, to stop toxin production and inhibit bacteria from replicating and spreading (as Clostridium spp. are obligate anaerobes).

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      44.1
      Seconds
  • Question 18 - A 41-year-old female patient presents with jaundice. She tells you that she is...

    Correct

    • A 41-year-old female patient presents with jaundice. She tells you that she is known to have a chronic hepatitis B infection.
      Which of the following hepatitis B serology results is consistent with a patient that is chronically infected? Select ONE answer only.

      Your Answer: HBsAg positive, anti-HBc positive, IgM anti-HBc negative

      Explanation:

      Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus, that is the first serologic marker to appear in a new acute infection.It can be detected as early as 1 week and as late as 9 weeks. It can be detected in high levels in serum during acute or chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious. The body normally produces antibodies to HBsAg as part of the normal immune response to infection. HBsAg is the antigen used to make hepatitis B vaccine.
      Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) indicates recovery and immunity from the hepatitis B virus infection. Anti-HBs also develops in a person who has been successfully vaccinated against hepatitis B.
      Total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc): Appears at the onset of symptoms in acute hepatitis B and persists for life. The presence of anti-HBc indicates previous or ongoing infection with hepatitis B virus in an undefined time frame. It is not present following hepatitis B vaccination.
      IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc) indicates recent infection with hepatitis B virus (<6 months). Its presence indicates acute infection.
      The following table summarises the presence of hepatitis B markers according to each situation:
      Susceptible to infection:
      HBsAg = Negative
      Anti-HBc = Negative
      Anti-HBs = Negative

      Immune due to natural infection:
      HBsAg = Negative
      Anti-HBc = Positive
      Anti-HBs = Positive

      Immune due to vaccination:
      HBsAg = Negative
      Anti-HBc = Negative
      Anti-HBs = Positive

      Acute infection:
      HBsAg = Positive
      Anti-HBc = Positive
      Anti-HBs = Negative
      IgM anti-HBc = Positive

      Chronic infection:
      HBsAg = Positive
      Anti-HBc = Positive
      Anti-HBs = Negative
      IgM anti-HBc = Negative

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      3041.9
      Seconds
  • Question 19 - A newborn baby is born by vaginal delivery to a mother who has...

    Correct

    • A newborn baby is born by vaginal delivery to a mother who has a Chlamydia infection and who is started on treatment after the delivery. The neonate subsequently develops an infection also.

      Which one of these is the most common neonatal manifestation of Chlamydia trachomatis infection?

      Your Answer: Conjunctivitis

      Explanation:

      Conjunctivitis is the most common neonatal manifestation of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The second commonest neonatal manifestation is pneumonia

      Ophthalmia neonatorum refers to any conjunctivitis in the newborn period, irrespective of causative organism. Presently, chlamydia is the single most common cause, accounting for up to 40% of cases. Ophthalmia neonatorum caused by chlamydia typically presents 5 to 14 days after birth with unilateral or bilateral watery discharge that progressively becomes more copious and purulent. There is no associated risk of ulceration and perforation, and the eyes are less inflamed.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      572.2
      Seconds
  • Question 20 - Which of the following statements is considered correct regarding Klebsiella infections? ...

    Incorrect

    • Which of the following statements is considered correct regarding Klebsiella infections?

      Your Answer: It is a common cause of community acquired pneumonia

      Correct Answer: Klebsiella spp. are non-motile

      Explanation:

      Klebsiella is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile bacteria. The absence of motility distinguishes Klebsiella spp. from most other members of the family Enterobacteriaceae.

      K. pneumoniae is the most commonly isolated species and has the distinct feature of possessing a large polysaccharide capsule. The capsule offers the organism protection against phagocytosis and antimicrobial absorption,
      contributing to its virulence.

      Colonization of gram-negative bacilli in the respiratory tracts of hospitalized patients, particularly by K. pneumoniae, increases with the length of hospital stay. It is a frequent cause of lower respiratory tract infections among hospitalized patients and in immunocompromised hosts such as newborns,
      elderly patients, and seriously ill patients on respirators.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      313.7
      Seconds
  • Question 21 - Regarding hepatitis C, which of the following statements is INCORRECT: ...

    Correct

    • Regarding hepatitis C, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:

      Your Answer: Anti-HCV IgG antibodies are diagnostic of acute infection.

      Explanation:

      Anti-HCV IgG antibodies indicate exposure to hepatitis C but this could be acute, chronic or resolved infection. If the antibody test is positive, HCV RNA should be tested for, which if positive indicates that a person has current infection with active hepatitis C.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      69.4
      Seconds
  • Question 22 - A 40-year-old man complains of pain and redness in his lower thigh due...

    Correct

    • A 40-year-old man complains of pain and redness in his lower thigh due to an insect bite. He was diagnosed with cellulitis. Select the first-line antibiotic for cellulitis.

      Your Answer: Flucloxacillin

      Explanation:

      Cellulitis is most commonly caused by bacteria from the group Aß-hemolytic streptococcus.

      Cellulitis can be caused by animal bites. For uncomplicated cellulitis, flucloxacillin is the first-line antibiotic. Because it is beta-lactamase stable, it is efficient against Staphylococcus aureus.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Infections
      • Microbiology
      32.2
      Seconds
  • Question 23 - On his stool culture, a patient with a diarrhoeal illness grows Escherichia coli.

    What...

    Correct

    • On his stool culture, a patient with a diarrhoeal illness grows Escherichia coli.

      What SINGLE statement about Escherichia coli is true?

      Your Answer: Most serotypes are harmless

      Explanation:

      Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative, non-spore forming, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium.

      Although some can cause serious food poisoning, most serotypes are harmless.

      Escherichia coli is transmitted via the faeco-oral route.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      223.5
      Seconds
  • Question 24 - A 55-year-old woman with history of gastritis and reflux esophagitis tested positive for...

    Correct

    • A 55-year-old woman with history of gastritis and reflux esophagitis tested positive for Helicobacter pylori infection.

      Which of the following statements regarding Helicobacter pylori is considered true?

      Your Answer: It is helix shaped

      Explanation:

      Helicobacter pylori is a curved or helix-shaped, non-spore forming, Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacteria. It is motile, having multiple flagella at one pole. It has a lipopolysaccharide component in its outer membrane.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      219.9
      Seconds
  • Question 25 - Cryptococcus neoformans is primarily implicated in which of the following conditions: ...

    Correct

    • Cryptococcus neoformans is primarily implicated in which of the following conditions:

      Your Answer: Chronic lymphocytic meningitis

      Explanation:

      Cryptococcus neoformans typically causes a chronic lymphocytic meningitis in immunosuppressed patients or those with intense exposure e.g. pigeon fanciers.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      74.5
      Seconds
  • Question 26 - Herpes simplex virus is transmitted most commonly through which of the following routes:...

    Correct

    • Herpes simplex virus is transmitted most commonly through which of the following routes:

      Your Answer: Direct contact spread

      Explanation:

      Herpes simplex virus is the most common cause of infective encephalitis and has a predilection for the temporal lobes. Herpes simplex is transmitted through direct contact. It invades skin locally producing skin vesicles by its cytolytic activity.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      69.6
      Seconds
  • Question 27 - Giemsa-stained blood film microscopy is typically used for the diagnosis of which of...

    Correct

    • Giemsa-stained blood film microscopy is typically used for the diagnosis of which of the following:

      Your Answer: Malaria

      Explanation:

      Giemsa-stained blood film microscopy can be used to identify malarial parasites.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Principles
      146.6
      Seconds
  • Question 28 - The first line drug for oral candidiasis is: ...

    Correct

    • The first line drug for oral candidiasis is:

      Your Answer: Nystatin

      Explanation:

      Treatment for oral candidiasis is with nystatin mouthwash. In unresponsive cases, oral fluconazole is used

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      34.8
      Seconds
  • Question 29 - A 38-year-old man returns from an overseas business trip with a fever and...

    Incorrect

    • A 38-year-old man returns from an overseas business trip with a fever and a headache. Following investigations a diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria is made.
      Which of the following statements regarding Plasmodium falciparum malaria is true? Select ONE answer only.

      Your Answer: Sporozoites invade the red blood cells of the host.

      Correct Answer: There may be a continuous fever

      Explanation:

      Plasmodium falciparum malaria is transmitted by female of the Anopheles genus of mosquito. The Aedes genus is responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue fever and yellow fever.
      Plasmodium falciparumis found globally but is mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa.
      The incubation period of Plasmodium falciparum malaria is 7-14 days.
      Sporozoites invade hepatocytes. Within the hepatocyte asexual reproduction occurs producing merozoites, which are released into the blood stream and invade the red blood cells of the host.
      Artesunate is the drug treatment of choice for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Quinine can still be used where artesunate is not available. Often combination therapy with drugs such as doxycycline or fansidar is also required.
      The classic symptom of malaria is the malarial paroxysm, a cyclical occurrence of a cold phase, where the patient experiences intense chills, a hot stage, where the patient feels extremely hot and finally a sweating stage, where the fever declines and the patient sweats profusely. There may also, however, be a continuous fever.

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Specific Pathogen Groups
      153.2
      Seconds
  • Question 30 - Regarding Clostridium tetani, which of the following statements is CORRECT: ...

    Incorrect

    • Regarding Clostridium tetani, which of the following statements is CORRECT:

      Your Answer: Neurotoxic effects typically become evident about 2 days after infection.

      Correct Answer: Germination and outgrowth of clostridial spores depends on anaerobic conditions.

      Explanation:

      Clostridium tetani is found in normal human intestinal flora, although infection is predominantly exogenous. Tetanospasmin, an exotoxin produced by C. tetani is responsible for the neurotoxic effects of tetanus, largely by preventing the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, resulting in prolonged excitation. Clostridium tetani is an obligate anaerobe, with an incubation period of about 3 – 21 days (average 10 days).

    • This question is part of the following fields:

      • Microbiology
      • Pathogens
      580.7
      Seconds

SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY

Microbiology (20/30) 67%
Specific Pathogen Groups (8/14) 57%
Pathogens (8/10) 80%
Principles Of Microbiology (2/4) 50%
Infections (1/1) 100%
Principles (1/1) 100%
Passmed