Draughtsman colonies are seen with:
Multiple drug resistance is transferred through -
Which of the following is an example of the transfer of drug resistance by conjugation?
Granulomatosis infantiseptica is caused by:
Which of the following statements about anthrax toxin is false?
Salmonella and Shigella can be differentiated from other Enterobacteriaceae members by isolation on:
Which bacteria can be isolated using crystal violet blood agar?
Which of the following statements is NOT true about the El Tor biotype of Vibrio cholerae?
Which of the following statements about Chromobacterium violaceum is false?
Oil paint appearance on nutrient agar is seen in -
NEET-PG 2015 - Microbiology NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 11: Draughtsman colonies are seen with:
- A. Anthrax
- B. Pertussis
- C. Pneumococci (Correct Answer)
- D. Yersinia
Explanation: ***Pneumococci*** - **Draughtsman colonies** (or **draughtsman-like colonies**) are a characteristic morphological feature observed when *Streptococcus pneumoniae* (pneumococci) grows on certain agar media, such as blood agar. - This appearance is due to the **central umbilication or depression** of the colony caused by autolytic enzymes that break down the bacterial cells in the center as the colony matures. *Anthrax* - Colonies of *Bacillus anthracis* are typically described as **"Medusa head" colonies**, characterized by swirling projections at the periphery. - They are generally **non-hemolytic** on blood agar, distinguishing them from other *Bacillus* species. *Pertussis* - *Bordetella pertussis* colonies are characteristic on **Bordet-Gengou agar**, appearing as small, glistening, pearl-like, or "mercury droplet" colonies. - This distinct morphology is crucial for its identification in laboratory cultures. *Yersinia* - *Yersinia pestis* (which causes plague) colonies on blood agar at 28°C often show a **"fried egg" appearance** over several days, with a dark center and lighter periphery. - Other *Yersinia* species like *Y. enterocolitica* can show a **bull's-eye pattern** on CIN (Cefsulodin-Irgasan-Novobiocin) agar.
Question 12: Multiple drug resistance is transferred through -
- A. Transduction
- B. Transformation
- C. Conjugation (Correct Answer)
- D. Mutation
Explanation: ***Conjugation*** - Conjugation is a primary mechanism for the spread of **antibiotic resistance genes** among bacteria, including those responsible for multiple drug resistance. - It involves the direct transfer of **plasmids** (which often carry resistance genes) from one bacterial cell to another through a pilus. *Transduction* - Transduction is the process where bacteria acquire foreign DNA, including resistance genes, via a **bacteriophage (virus)**. - While it can transfer resistance, conjugation is a more common and clinically significant route for **multidrug resistance** spread. *Transformation* - Transformation involves the uptake of **naked DNA** from the environment by a bacterial cell. - While bacteria can acquire resistance genes this way, it is less efficient for widespread, rapid transfer of **multiple resistance traits** compared to conjugation. *Mutation* - Mutation refers to a change in the bacterial organism's own DNA, which can lead to the development of **drug resistance**. - However, mutation explains the *origin* of resistance in a single bacterium, not the *transfer* of resistance genes (especially multiple resistance) between different bacteria.
Question 13: Which of the following is an example of the transfer of drug resistance by conjugation?
- A. Staphylococci to rifampicin
- B. Pneumococcus to penicillin G
- C. M tuberculosis to antitubercular drugs
- D. E coli to streptomycin (Correct Answer)
Explanation: **E coli to streptomycin** - The transfer of **streptomycin resistance** in *E. coli* is a classic example of **conjugation**, mediated by **transferable R-plasmids**. - **Conjugation** involves direct cell-to-cell contact and the transfer of genetic material via a **pilus**, allowing for efficient spread of resistance genes. *Staphylococci to rifampicin* - **Rifampicin resistance** in *Staphylococci* (e.g., MRSA) primarily results from **chromosomal mutations** in the *rpoB* gene, which alters the drug's binding site. - This type of resistance usually arises through **spontaneous mutation and selection**, rather than active transfer via conjugation. *Pneumococcus to penicillin G* - **Penicillin resistance** in *Pneumococcus* (e.g., **PEN-R *S. pneumoniae***) is often due to alterations in **penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)**, acquired through **transformation**. - Transformation involves the uptake of **naked DNA** from the environment, not direct cell-to-cell contact as in conjugation. *M tuberculosis to antitubercular drugs* - **Drug resistance** in *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* to antitubercular drugs (such as isoniazid and rifampicin) is predominantly mediated by **chromosomal mutations**. - These mutations occur within genes encoding drug targets or drug-activating enzymes, leading to altered drug sensitivity.
Question 14: Granulomatosis infantiseptica is caused by:
- A. Pseudomonas
- B. Chlamydia trachomatis
- C. Group D streptococci
- D. Listeria (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Listeria*** - **Granulomatosis infantiseptica** is a severe manifestation of congenital **listeriosis**, caused by *Listeria monocytogenes*. - This condition is characterized by widespread **granulomas** and **microabscesses** in various organs of the infected newborn. *Pseudomonas* - *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections but is not typically associated with **granulomatosis infantiseptica**. - It can cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals, including **pneumonia**, **sepsis**, and wound infections. *Chlamydia trachomatis* - *Chlamydia trachomatis* is a common cause of **conjunctivitis** and **pneumonia** in neonates, acquired during passage through the birth canal. - It does not cause **granulomatosis infantiseptica**. *Group D streptococci* - While Group D streptococci (e.g., *Enterococcus faecalis*) can cause neonatal infections like **sepsis** and **meningitis**, they are not the causative agents of **granulomatosis infantiseptica**. - This condition is specifically linked to **Listeria**.
Question 15: Which of the following statements about anthrax toxin is false?
- A. Increase cAMP
- B. Has three components
- C. Coded by plasmid
- D. Inhibits protein synthesis (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Inhibits protein synthesis*** - Anthrax toxin, specifically the **lethal factor (LF)**, is a **zinc-dependent metalloprotease** that cleaves and inactivates **mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKKs)**, leading to cell death, not directly inhibiting protein synthesis. - The **edema factor (EF)** component of the toxin is an **adenylate cyclase** that increases **intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP)**, which also does not directly inhibit protein synthesis. *Has three components* - Anthrax toxin is indeed composed of three distinct proteins: **protective antigen (PA)**, **edema factor (EF)**, and **lethal factor (LF)**. - PA is necessary for EF and LF to enter host cells, while EF causes edema and LF is responsible for cytotoxicity. *Increase cAMP* - The **edema factor (EF)** component of anthrax toxin is a **calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase**. - Once inside the cell, EF converts **ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP)**, leading to increased intracellular cAMP levels, which disrupts water homeostasis and causes edema. *Coded by plasmid* - The genes encoding the anthrax toxin components (PA, EF, and LF) are located on a large plasmid known as **pXO1**. - This plasmid, along with another plasmid (pXO2) carrying genes for the capsule, is crucial for the full virulence of *Bacillus anthracis*.
Question 16: Salmonella and Shigella can be differentiated from other Enterobacteriaceae members by isolation on:
- A. MacConkey agar
- B. Mannitol salt agar
- C. BCYE medium
- D. XLD agar (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***XLD agar*** - **Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar** is a selective and differential medium used to isolate and identify *Salmonella* and *Shigella* species from other Enterobacteriaceae. - It differentiates *Salmonella* and *Shigella* based on their ability to ferment **xylose**, decarboxylate **lysine**, and produce **hydrogen sulfide (H2S)**. *MacConkey agar* - **MacConkey agar** is a selective and differential medium used to isolate Gram-negative bacteria and differentiate them based on **lactose fermentation**. - While it can grow *Salmonella* and *Shigella* (which are non-lactose fermenters), it does not specifically differentiate them from other non-lactose fermenting Enterobacteriaceae. *Mannitol salt agar* - **Mannitol salt agar (MSA)** is a selective and differential medium primarily used for the isolation of **staphylococci**. - It is highly selective due to its high salt concentration and differentiates staphylococci based on their ability to ferment **mannitol**. *BCYE medium* - **Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract (BCYE) medium** is a specialized enrichment medium used for the isolation of **Legionella species**. - It provides specific nutrients required for the growth of *Legionella* and is not suitable for differentiating *Salmonella* and *Shigella* from other Enterobacteriaceae.
Question 17: Which bacteria can be isolated using crystal violet blood agar?
- A. Corynebacterium diphtheriae
- B. Staph aureus
- C. Meningococcus
- D. β-hemolytic streptococci (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***β-hemolytic streptococci*** - **Crystal violet blood agar** is a selective medium that inhibits the growth of most Gram-positive bacteria, except for **beta-hemolytic streptococci**. - The crystal violet dye suppresses the growth of competing flora, allowing for better isolation and identification of these bacteria, which exhibit **complete hemolysis (beta-hemolysis)** on blood agar. *Corynebacterium diphtheriae* - This bacterium requires more specialized media, such as **Tinsdale agar** or **Loeffler's serum agar**, for optimal growth and identification due to specific nutritional requirements and colony morphology. - Crystal violet blood agar is not the primary medium used for its isolation. *Staph aureus* - **Staphylococcus aureus** is a common contaminant that is typically inhibited by the crystal violet in the medium. - It grows well on routine blood agar but is not selectively grown or isolated using crystal violet blood agar. *Meningococcus* - **Neisseria meningitidis** (Meningococcus) requires enriched media like **chocolate agar** or **Thayer-Martin agar** for successful isolation, as it is a fastidious organism. - Crystal violet blood agar is not suitable for its growth due to its inhibitory properties and lack of necessary nutrients.
Question 18: Which of the following statements is NOT true about the El Tor biotype of Vibrio cholerae?
- A. VP (+)
- B. Lower mortality
- C. Reduced environmental persistence (Correct Answer)
- D. Hemolysis negative
Explanation: ***Reduced environmental persistence*** - The **El Tor biotype** of *Vibrio cholerae* is known for its **increased environmental persistence** compared to the classical biotype, making this statement NOT true. - El Tor survives longer in water sources due to its hardiness and ability to form biofilms, which contributes to its pandemic potential and makes outbreaks harder to control. *VP (+)* - The El Tor biotype is **Voges-Proskauer (VP) positive**, which is a key biochemical characteristic used to differentiate it from the classical biotype (VP negative). - This is a TRUE statement about El Tor. *Lower mortality* - The El Tor biotype causes **milder disease with lower mortality rates** compared to the classical biotype. - While individual cases may be less severe, the higher infectivity and asymptomatic carriage of El Tor contribute to its widespread transmission - this is a TRUE statement. *Hemolysis negative* - The El Tor biotype is **hemolysis positive** (produces beta-hemolysis on sheep blood agar), which is another key differentiating feature from the classical biotype (hemolysis negative). - This makes the statement "hemolysis negative" NOT true about El Tor.
Question 19: Which of the following statements about Chromobacterium violaceum is false?
- A. Normal flora in human (Correct Answer)
- B. Gram negative
- C. Causes cellulitis
- D. Produces violet-colored pigment
Explanation: **This question asks for the FALSE statement about *Chromobacterium violaceum*.** ***Normal flora in human*** ✓ (FALSE STATEMENT - This is the correct answer) - *Chromobacterium violaceum* is **not considered normal flora** in humans. It is an environmental bacterium typically found in **soil and water** in tropical and subtropical regions. - Its presence in humans usually signifies a serious **opportunistic infection**, often resulting from exposure to contaminated environments. - Since this statement is FALSE, this is the correct answer. *Gram negative* (TRUE statement) - *Chromobacterium violaceum* is indeed a **Gram-negative bacterium**. This characteristic is crucial for its identification and determining appropriate antibiotic treatment. - Like other Gram-negative bacteria, it possesses an **outer membrane** containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS). *Causes cellulitis* (TRUE statement) - *Chromobacterium violaceum* can cause severe infections in humans, including **cellulitis**, often following skin breaches like cuts or abrasions. - The infections are frequently aggressive and can lead to systemic disease such as **sepsis and abscess formation**. *Produces violet-colored pigment* (TRUE statement) - *Chromobacterium violaceum* is notable for producing **violacein**, a distinctive **violet-colored pigment**. - This pigment production is a key identifying feature on culture media and is associated with some of its pathogenic properties.
Question 20: Oil paint appearance on nutrient agar is seen in -
- A. Staphylococcus aureus (Correct Answer)
- B. Streptococcus pyogenes
- C. Bordetella pertussis
- D. H. influenzae
Explanation: ***Staphylococcus aureus*** - *Staphylococcus aureus* forms characteristic **golden-yellow, smooth, opaque colonies** on nutrient agar with a **buttery or creamy consistency** - Some texts describe this appearance as **"oil paint-like"** due to the pigmented, smooth, and glistening surface that can resemble brushed paint - Colonies are typically **2-4 mm in diameter**, round, and show **golden pigmentation** (due to carotenoid pigments) - On **blood agar**, *S. aureus* shows **beta-hemolysis** with golden colonies *Streptococcus pyogenes* - *Streptococcus pyogenes* grows poorly on plain nutrient agar and requires **enriched media** like blood agar - On blood agar, it forms **small, translucent, grey-white colonies** surrounded by a wide zone of **beta-hemolysis** - Colonies are typically **pinpoint** in size and do not show pigmentation *Bordetella pertussis* - *Bordetella pertussis* is a **fastidious organism** that does **not grow on plain nutrient agar** - Requires specialized enriched media like **Bordet-Gengou agar** (with potato-glycerol-blood) or **Regan-Lowe agar** - On Bordet-Gengou agar, colonies appear as **small, smooth, pearl-like** or **"mercury droplet"** colonies after 3-7 days *H. influenzae* - *Haemophilus influenzae* is also fastidious and requires **X factor (hemin)** and **V factor (NAD)** for growth - Does **not grow on plain nutrient agar** - On **chocolate agar**, forms **small, smooth, translucent, greyish colonies** with a characteristic musty odor - Colonies are typically **1-2 mm** in diameter