Microbiology Quiz on Pathogens and Infections

A type of bacteria commonly found in the human intestine, responsible for producing essential vitamins like B1, B2, B12, and K.

A bacterial species known for causing sore throats.

A type of bacteria often found in the nasal membranes.

Endo medium refers to a microbiological culture medium that allows for the differentiation of coliforms based on their metabolic properties. Red colonies with metallic sheen on Endo medium indicate the presence of Salmonella species.

Endo medium is a selective and differential medium used to detect coliforms. Red colonies with metallic sheen indicate the presence of Salmonella species which is capable of fermenting lactose.

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms.

The first word in a scientific name typically represents the genus to which the organism belongs.

The location of bacterial spores can vary depending on the species. They can be located at the end of the cell (terminal), near the end of the cell (subterminal), or in the middle (central).

A selective medium for isolating Staphylococcus aureus. This indicates how it works: crystal violet inhibits the growth of gram-negative bacteria, while blood provides nutrients for the staphylococcus.

The time it takes for a single bacterial cell to multiply into two.

This is how Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is transmitted from infected rodents (usually rats) to humans.

This happens when Yersinia pestis is spread from one person to another, typically through respiratory droplets.

This is the bacteria that causes plague.

Inhalation is the most common means of acquiring Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis.

This bacteria colonizes and forms a characteristic spreading growth pattern on agar, resembling a spreading, branching structure.

Bacterial capsules play a crucial role in helping bacteria evade the host's immune system. Specifically, they obstruct the process of phagocytosis, which is the engulfment and destruction of bacteria by immune cells.

HIV is a type of retrovirus that contains the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which allows it to convert its RNA genome into DNA, which then integrates into the host cell's genome.

A hallmark of late-stage HIV infection is a significant decrease in the number of CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for immune function.

CMV retinitis is a serious eye infection that can occur in individuals with HIV when their CD4+ T cell count falls below 50.

The P24 antigen assay is a blood test used to detect the presence of HIV, often during the early stages of infection.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a cancer that develops in the lining of blood vessels and lymph nodes, commonly occurring in people with weakened immune systems, like those with AIDS.

Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI) is a type of bacteria that can cause severe infections in people with weakened immune systems, like those with AIDS. It can cause diarrhea, fever, and weight loss.

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is a widely used blood test for HIV. It is highly sensitive, but may not always be specific. Western blotting is a more specific but less sensitive test.

"H5N1" refers to the avian influenza A virus, commonly called bird flu, which can spread from birds to humans.

A viral disease spread primarily by mosquitoes, affecting humans and causing flu-like symptoms, encephalitis, and sometimes death. It is prevalent in North America.

A mosquito-borne viral disease that causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, and confusion, often leading to neurological complications.

A viral disease spread through mosquito bites, causing a range of symptoms from mild flu-like illness to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever. It affects people globally, primarily in tropical regions.

A severe viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, causing fever, headache, muscle aches, and jaundice. It can be fatal, with outbreaks still occurring globally.

A viral disease transmitted through rodent droppings, causing respiratory illness with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It can be fatal, especially in its severe form.

A viral disease caused by a virus of the Poxviridae family, causing a characteristic skin rash and other symptoms. The disease was eradicated thanks to global vaccination efforts but remains a concern due to bioterrorism.

A rare but serious complication of smallpox vaccination, characterized by a widespread and extensive rash, often with systemic symptoms.

A complication of smallpox vaccination that occurs in individuals with eczema, resulting in a widespread and severe rash.

Fleas are the primary carriers of plague bacteria, which are transmitted to humans through flea bites.

The causative agent of anthrax is a bacterium belonging to the family Bacillaceae. It's a rod-shaped bacterium forming spores.

Obligate aerobes are organisms that require oxygen to survive and grow. Examples include Mycobacterium tuberculosis (causing tuberculosis) and Micrococcus spp. (found in the environment).

Obligate anaerobes are organisms that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. They thrive in oxygen-free environments. Examples include Clostridium tetani (causes tetanus) and Clostridium botulinum (causes botulism).

Clostridium tetani, the causative agent of tetanus, is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium. It's an obligate anaerobe, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen.

Vaccines are sterilized by heat inactivation, a process that exposes them to controlled heat to eliminate harmful microbes while preserving the vaccine's effectiveness. This method is used to remove any potentially contagious agents from the vaccine.

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that can cause infertility in both men and women. It is transmitted through sexual contact and can also affect the eyes.

Mycoplasma bacteria are unique because they lack a cell wall, a rigid structure that surrounds most bacteria. This makes them resistant to certain antibiotics that target cell walls.

Monkeypox is a viral disease that resembles smallpox, but it is less severe. It is primarily found in Africa, and can be transmitted through contact with infected animals (like rodents) or from human to human.

Smallpox vaccination provides some protection against monkeypox, although the level of protection is not as high as it is against smallpox itself.

The vaccinia virus is a live attenuated virus, meaning it's a weakened version of the original virus. This weakened virus is used to make the smallpox vaccine.

Vaccinia virus replication starts in the cytoplasm of the cell, unlike some viruses that use the nucleus. It requires a newly synthesized viral protein for the uncoating process, an important step in releasing its genetic material.

Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) is a treatment used for complications from smallpox vaccination. It is most effective for cases like severe generalized vaccinia or eczema vaccinatum, where the body's immune response is overreacting.

Vaccinia immune globulin helps to prevent or reduce the severity of complications from vaccinia virus exposure. However, it does not offer protection against postvaccinial encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain related to vaccination.

Exposure to vaccinia virus can occur through direct vaccination with smallpox vaccine, close contact with someone recently vaccinated, or even intrauterine exposure during pregnancy. VIG injections are considered a form of vaccinia exposure.