Bacteriology Practice Questions

Q: All are true about the bacteria shown in the figure except:

Urease positive. ***Urease positive*** - The image depicts **Corynebacterium diphtheriae**, characterized by **metachromatic granules** and its bacillary (rod) shape, often showing V or L formations. - *Corynebacterium diphtheriae* is **urease negative**, not positive, making this statement false and the correct answer to this "except" question. *Pyrazinamidase test positive* - *Corynebacterium diphtheriae* is **pyrazinamidase positive**, an important biochemical characteristic used in its identification. - This enzyme activity distinguishes it from other *Corynebacterium* species like *C. pseudodiphtheriticum* and *C. ulcerans*. *C. gravis has daisy head colony* - The **mitis** and **gravis** biotypes are distinct strains of *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*, with *C. gravis* characterized by its distinctive **"daisy head" colony morphology** on tellurite medium. - This irregular growth pattern is a known characteristic feature of *C. diphtheriae* biotype gravis. *Heat labile toxin has affinity for myocardium* - The **diphtheria toxin** produced by *C. diphtheriae* is indeed **heat-labile** and has strong affinity for various tissues, particularly the **myocardium** and nerve cells. - This tissue affinity leads to serious complications such as **myocarditis** and neurological deficits in diphtheria patients.

Q: All are true about the bacteria shown in the figure except: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Resistant to heat, alteration in pH and disinfectants. ***Resistant to heat, alteration in pH and disinfectants*** - The bacteria shown in the figure are **Gram-negative diplococci**, characteristic of **Neisseria gonorrhoeae** or **Neisseria meningitidis**. These bacteria are known to be **sensitive to drying, heat, cold, and disinfectants**, not resistant. - Their delicate nature makes them difficult to cultivate outside specific laboratory conditions and contributes to their typical mode of transmission through close contact. *Commensal in the upper respiratory tract of humans* - **Neisseria meningitidis**, a type of diplococci shown and inferred, is a common **commensal** in the nasopharynx of up to 10% of the population. - This colonization can be entirely asymptomatic, but it also serves as a reservoir for potential invasive disease. *Kovac's method results in the formation of a deep purple color* - **Neisseria** species are **oxidase-positive**, meaning they produce cytochrome c oxidase. - The **Kovac's oxidase test** uses N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride, which, in the presence of cytochrome c oxidase, gets oxidized to a **deep purple color**. *Nonhemolytic, gray translucent colonies* - Both *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* and *Neisseria meningitidis* typically form **nonhemolytic** colonies on blood agar. - The colonies are often described as **grayish-white or translucent** with smooth edges, especially after 24-48 hours of incubation.

Q: All are true about the bacteria shown below except:

T3 and T4 are pilated virulent forms. ***T3 and T4 are pilated virulent forms*** - This statement is **FALSE** and is therefore the correct answer to this EXCEPT question. - *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* types **T1 and T2** (colony types) are the **virulent, pilated forms** that are capable of adhering to host cells and causing infection. - Types **T3 and T4** are **non-pilated, avirulent forms** that have lost their adhesive capabilities and are not infectious. - Pili are critical virulence factors that enable bacterial attachment to mucosal epithelial cells. *Ferments only glucose* - This statement is TRUE about *N. gonorrhoeae*. - *N. gonorrhoeae* ferments glucose but **does not ferment maltose, sucrose, or lactose**. - This specific fermentation pattern differentiates it from *N. meningitidis* (which ferments both glucose and maltose). - This biochemical test is crucial for laboratory identification. *Water-can perineum* - This statement is TRUE about complications of *N. gonorrhoeae*. - "Water-can perineum" describes severe, destructive perineal gangrene associated with neglected or chronic gonococcal infections in males. - This represents extensive local tissue destruction from untreated infection. *Fitz-Hugh Curtis syndrome* - This statement is TRUE about *N. gonorrhoeae* complications. - **Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome** is perihepatitis (inflammation of liver capsule and adjacent peritoneum) occurring as a complication of **pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)**. - Commonly caused by *N. gonorrhoeae* or *Chlamydia trachomatis*. - Presents with right upper quadrant pain and characteristic "violin string" adhesions between liver capsule and peritoneum.

Q: A 2-year-old child presents with fever for 5 days and fast breathing. On examination breath sounds are reduced in left infra-axillary areas and left inframammary areas. CXR was performed and pleural tap was done. Gram stain of pus drained in pleural tap shows: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Pneumococcus. ***Pneumococcus*** - The image provided shows **Gram-positive diplococci**, a classic morphology for *Streptococcus pneumoniae* (Pneumococcus). These bacteria are often seen in pairs or short chains. - *Streptococcus pneumoniae* is the **most common bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia** and associated empyema, especially in children. The clinical presentation of fever and fast breathing, with reduced breath sounds and a large pleural effusion seen on CXR (suggesting empyema), is highly consistent with pneumococcal infection. *Meningococcus* - *Neisseria meningitidis* (Meningococcus) is a **Gram-negative diplococcus**, whereas the morphology depicted in the Gram stain is **Gram-positive**, ruling out meningococcus. - Additionally, meningococcus primarily causes **meningitis** and bloodstream infections, not typically empyema in this clinical setting. *Staphylococcus* - *Staphylococcus* species are Gram-positive cocci that typically arrange in **clusters**, resembling grape-like formations, which is not what is shown in the image. - Although *Staphylococcus aureus* can cause empyema, especially after influenza or in healthcare-associated infections, its characteristic arrangement on Gram stain would be different. *Enterococcus* - *Enterococcus* species are Gram-positive cocci that typically form **chains** or **pairs**, similar to streptococci but often distinguishable by specific biochemical tests. - Although enterococci can cause infections, they are **less common causes of community-acquired empyema** in children compared to pneumococci. The morphology in the image, showing distinct diplococci, is most consistent with pneumococci.

Q: All are true about the bacteria shown below except:

Streptolysin S is an oxygen labile hemolysin. ***Streptolysin S is an oxygen labile hemolysin*** *(EXCEPT - This is FALSE)* - **Streptolysin S** is an **oxygen-stable hemolysin**, meaning its activity is not destroyed by oxygen exposure. - The oxygen-labile hemolysin produced by *Streptococcus pyogenes* (Group A Strep) is **Streptolysin O**. *Gram-positive cocci in chains* - The image clearly depicts **spherical bacteria** arranged in **chains**, which is characteristic morphology for *Streptococcus* species, including *Streptococcus pyogenes*. - *Streptococcus pyogenes* are also known to be **Gram-positive**, which is a fundamental classification feature. *Pike's media is a transport media* - **Pike's media** (or Pike's broth) is a selective enrichment **transport medium** specifically designed for the isolation of **Group A Streptococcus** (GAS), like *Streptococcus pyogenes*, from throat swabs. - It helps in maintaining the viability of fragile *Streptococcus pyogenes* while inhibiting the growth of commensal flora during transport. *Streptodornase DNAse depolymerizes the viscous DNA* - **Streptodornase** (or deoxyribonuclease B, DNase B) is an **exotoxin** produced by *Streptococcus pyogenes*. - It functions to **depolymerize cellular DNA** released from lysed host cells, reducing the viscosity of exudates and facilitating bacterial spread through tissues.

Q: Which of the following toxins will produce the condition shown below?

ETA and ETB. ***ETA and ETB*** - The image shows a child with widespread **blistering and epidermal exfoliation**, characteristic of **Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS)**. - SSSS is caused by **exfoliative toxins A (ETA)** and **exfoliative toxins B (ETB)** produced by *Staphylococcus aureus*, which target **desmoglein-1** in the stratum granulosum, leading to intraepidermal cleavage and skin peeling. *Leukocidin* - **Leukocidin** is a cytotoxin produced by *Staphylococcus aureus* that targets and destroys **leukocytes**, particularly neutrophils and macrophages. - It does not directly cause the widespread epidermal blistering and exfoliation seen in the image. *TSST-1* - **Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 (TSST-1)** is a superantigen produced by *Staphylococcus aureus* that causes **Toxic Shock Syndrome**, characterized by fever, rash, hypotension, and multi-organ failure. - While it can manifest with a diffuse erythematous rash followed by desquamation, it does not typically cause the prominent blistering and extensive epidermal peeling seen in the image. *Serum opacity factor* - **Serum opacity factor** is an enzyme produced by some strains of **Group A Streptococcus** (not *Staphylococcus aureus*) that degrades serum lipoproteins. - It is associated with **rheumatic fever** and **acute glomerulonephritis** but plays no direct role in skin blistering or exfoliation.

Q: All of the following toxins are produced by the organisms shown below except:

Serum opacity factor. ***Serum opacity factor*** - The image shows Gram-positive cocci in clusters, characteristic of **Staphylococcus aureus**. - **Serum opacity factor** is a virulence factor produced by **Streptococcus pyogenes**, not Staphylococcus aureus. *Leukocidin* - **Leukocidin** is a cytotoxic protein produced by **Staphylococcus aureus** that targets and destroys phagocytic cells (leukocytes), contributing to pus formation. - The image depicts numerous **pus cells** along with Gram-positive cocci, consistent with a _S. aureus_ infection. *TSST-1* - **Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 (TSST-1)** is a superantigen produced by certain strains of **Staphylococcus aureus**. - It causes **toxic shock syndrome**, a severe systemic inflammatory response. *ETA and ETB* - **Exfoliative toxins A (ETA)** and **B (ETB)** are proteases produced by **Staphylococcus aureus**. - These toxins are responsible for **Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS)**, causing epidermal sloughing.

Q: Identify the organism shown below. (AIIMS May 2017)

Nocardia. ***Nocardia*** - The image displays **branching, filamentous, gram-positive rods** that exhibit a **beaded appearance**, which is characteristic of *Nocardia* species. - *Nocardia* are **partially acid-fast** and can cause opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* - *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* appears as **rod-shaped bacilli** that are **strongly acid-fast** due to their high mycolic acid content, but they do not typically form the long, branching filaments seen in the image. - While they can form cords, these are not the extensive mycelial-like structures shown. *Mycobacterium leprae* - *Mycobacterium leprae* are **acid-fast bacilli** that typically appear in compact bundles ("globi") within host cells, not as branching filamentous structures. - This organism primarily causes leprosy and is difficult to culture in vitro. *Actinomyces* - *Actinomyces* species are also **branching, filamentous gram-positive bacteria**, but they are **not acid-fast**. - While they form characteristic "sulfur granules" in tissue, the image is a stain showing individual organisms, and the acid-fast appearance rules out *Actinomyces*.

Q: All are true about bacteria shown in the smear of pus below, except:

Most strains are inhibited in presence of 5 % NaCl. The image shows **Gram-positive cocci** arranged in clusters, which is characteristic of *Staphylococcus aureus*. Many pus cells (neutrophils) are also seen, indicating an inflammatory response, consistent with a bacterial infection. ***Most strains are inhibited in presence of 5 % NaCl*** - *Staphylococcus aureus* is known to be **halophilic**, meaning it **grows well** in the presence of high salt concentrations (e.g., 7.5% NaCl), which distinguishes it from many other bacteria. - Therefore, the statement that it is 'inhibited in the presence of 5% NaCl' is **incorrect**. *Produce black colonies on potassium tellurite blood agar* - *Staphylococcus aureus* **reduces tellurite** to metallic tellurium, resulting in the production of **black colonies** on potassium tellurite blood agar. - This is a characteristic feature used in the identification of *Staphylococcus aureus*, particularly on media like Baird-Parker agar. *Liquefy gelatin* - *Staphylococcus aureus* produces the enzyme **gelatinase**, which **hydrolyzes gelatin**, causing it to liquefy. - This is a biochemical characteristic used to differentiate *Staphylococcus aureus* from certain other staphylococcal species. *Seen in Job syndrome* - **Job syndrome** (Hyper-IgE syndrome) is characterized by recurrent severe **Staphylococcal infections** of the skin and lungs. - Patients with Job syndrome have impaired neutrophil chemotaxis and elevated IgE levels, making them highly susceptible to *Staphylococcus aureus* infections.

Q: Which of the following bacteria has the flagellar characteristic shown in the image?

Leptospira icterohaemorrhagicae. ***Leptospira icterohaemorrhagicae*** - The image displays **endoflagella** (axial filaments) located beneath the **outer membrane**, which is characteristic of **spirochetes**. - *Leptospira icterohaemorrhagicae* is a spirochete and possesses these internal flagella, allowing for its distinctive corkscrew motility. *Helicobacter pylori* - *Helicobacter pylori* is a gram-negative bacterium that typically has **lophotrichous flagella** (multiple flagella at one pole), which are external, not internal. - Its motility is crucial for penetrating the gastric mucus, but it does not utilize endoflagella. *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* - *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* is a non-motile bacterium and **lacks flagella** altogether. - Its cell wall structure, rich in mycolic acid, contributes to its pathogenicity and resistance but not to motility via flagella. *Vibrio cholerae* - *Vibrio cholerae* is a gram-negative bacterium that possesses a **single polar flagellum** (monotrichous), which is external. - This external flagellum is essential for its motility in aquatic environments and in the human intestine.

Question 1

All are true about the bacteria shown in the figure except:

Accepted Answer

Urease positive

Answer

Pyrazinamidase test positive

Answer

C. gravis has daisy head colony

Answer

Heat labile toxin has affinity for myocardium

Question 2

All are true about the bacteria shown in the figure except: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Resistant to heat, alteration in pH and disinfectants

Answer

Commensal in upper respiratory tract of humans

Answer

Kovac's method results in formation of deep purple color

Answer

Nonhemolytic, gray translucent colonies

Question 3

All are true about the bacteria shown below except:

Accepted Answer

T3 and T4 are pilated virulent forms

Answer

Ferments only glucose

Answer

Water-can perineum

Answer

Fitz-Hugh Curtis syndrome

Question 4

A 2-year-old child presents with fever for 5 days and fast breathing. On examination breath sounds are reduced in left infra-axillary areas and left inframammary areas. CXR was performed and pleural tap was done. Gram stain of pus drained in pleural tap shows: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Pneumococcus

Answer

Meningococcus

Answer

Staphylococcus

Answer

Enterococcus

Question 5

All are true about the bacteria shown below except:

Accepted Answer

Streptolysin S is an oxygen labile hemolysin

Answer

Gram-positive cocci in chains

Answer

Pike's media is a transport media

Answer

Streptodomase DNAse depolymerizes the viscous DNA

Question 6

Which of the following toxins will produce the condition shown below?

Accepted Answer

ETA and ETB

Answer

Leukocidin

Answer

TSST-1

Answer

Serum opacity factor

Question 7

All of the following toxins are produced by the organisms shown below except:

Accepted Answer

Serum opacity factor

Answer

Leukocidin

Answer

TSST-1

Answer

ETA and ETB

Question 8

Identify the organism shown below. (AIIMS May 2017)

Accepted Answer

Nocardia

Answer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Answer

Mycobacterium leprae

Answer

Actinomyces

Question 9

All are true about bacteria shown in the smear of pus below, except:

Accepted Answer

Most strains are inhibited in presence of 5 % NaCl

Answer

Produce black colonies on potassium tellurite blood agar

Answer

Liquefy gelatin

Answer

Seen in Job syndrome

Question 10

Which of the following bacteria has the flagellar characteristic shown in the image?

Accepted Answer

Leptospira icterohaemorrhagicae

Answer

Helicobacter pylori

Answer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Answer

Vibrio cholerae

Bacteriology — MCQs

Bacteriology — MCQs

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