Microbiology
See correct answers immediately with detailed explanations after each question.
Answer all questions, then review your results with feedback at the end.
Timed simulation that mimics real exam conditions. No feedback until completion.
Below are sample questions from this exam to help you understand the content and format.
Q1: What drug is most often used in fighting protozoan infections of the reproductive system?
Answer Choices:
⮞ Metronidazole is the drug of choice for trichomoniasis, a protozoan infection of the reproductive tract.
⮞ It works by disrupting DNA synthesis in anaerobic organisms and protozoa.
⮞ Tetracycline and ciprofloxacin are antibiotics used against bacteria, not protozoa.
⮞ Ampicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic effective for bacterial infections but not protozoal infections.
Q2: Which bacteria causes acne?
Answer Choices:
⮞ Propionibacterium acnes (recently renamed Cutibacterium acnes) is the primary bacterial species implicated in acne vulgaris.
⮞ It contributes to acne by blocking sebaceous glands and causing inflammation.
⮞ Staphylococcus epidermidis and aureus can cause skin infections but are not the main cause of acne.
⮞ Streptococcus pyogenes is associated with pharyngitis and skin infections like impetigo, not acne.
Q3: Which infection is caused by Streptococcus agalactiae and is a leading cause of life-threatening illness and death in newborns?
Answer Choices:
⮞ Streptococcus agalactiae is also known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS).
⮞ GBS can cause sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in newborns, often transmitted during childbirth.
⮞ Group A Streptococcus is associated with strep throat and rheumatic fever.
⮞ Group C Streptococcus is much less common and not typically associated with neonatal infection.
⮞ Cervical inflammation is not specific to Streptococcus agalactiae.
Q4: Where do the human pinworms, enterobius vermicularis, generally live in the human body?
Answer Choices:
✍️ Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) typically inhabits the rectum and lower intestine.
✍️ At night, female worms migrate to the anal opening to lay eggs, causing perianal itching.
✍️ They do not live in the stomach, duodenum, or transverse colon.
✍️ This rectal location explains why infection is diagnosed by the tape test around the anus.
Q5: What are the three most commonly occurring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on college campuses? Select all that apply.
Answer Choices:
✔ Human papillomavirus (HPV)
⮞ HPV is the most common STI on college campuses, affecting a large proportion of sexually active young adults.
⮞ It is often asymptomatic, but certain strains can cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
⮞ Vaccination helps prevent high-risk HPV types but many students may be unvaccinated.
⮞ Its high prevalence makes HPV one of the top STIs among college students.
✔ Gonorrhea
⮞ Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is another common STI among young adults.
⮞ It frequently coexists with chlamydia infections, leading to dual treatment.
⮞ Many cases are asymptomatic, particularly in women, increasing risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if untreated.
⮞ Its prevalence on campuses is high due to unprotected sexual activity and asymptomatic spread.
✔ Chlamydia
⮞ Chlamydia trachomatis infection is one of the leading bacterial STIs in college-age populations.
⮞ It is often called a “silent infection” because most carriers are asymptomatic.
⮞ Without treatment, chlamydia can cause infertility, PID, and chronic pelvic pain.
⮞ Routine screening is recommended in sexually active young women due to its high occurrence rate.
