NEET-PG 2020 - Microbiology PYQs Practice Questions

Q: Fungal infection which is acquired by traumatic inoculation is?

Sporothrix. ***Sporothrix*** - **Sporotrichosis** is characteristically acquired through **traumatic inoculation** of the fungus, often from contact with soil, thorns, or decaying vegetation. - The organism causes **cutaneous lymphatic disease**, presenting as nodular lesions along lymphatic drainage paths. *Blastomyces* - **Blastomycosis** is typically acquired by inhaling airborne fungal spores, usually from **soil rich in organic matter** or decaying wood. - It primarily affects the **lungs** and can disseminate to the skin, bones, and other organs, but is not primarily associated with traumatic inoculation. *Coccidioides* - **Coccidioidomycosis** (Valley Fever) is acquired by inhaling **arthroconidia** present in dust or soil in endemic areas. - It is a **pulmonary infection** that can disseminate to other body sites, and its entry is almost exclusively respiratory, not traumatic. *Paracoccidioides* - **Paracoccidioidomycosis** is acquired by inhaling airborne fungal propagules, typically found in **soil in Latin America**. - It primarily causes **chronic pulmonary disease** and can spread to mucous membranes, skin, and lymph nodes, with no known association with traumatic inoculation. [Practice more Microbiology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: The image of an immunoglobulin is shown below. Which type of immunoglobulin is it?

Immunoglobulin A (IgA). ***Immunoglobulin A (IgA)*** - The image depicts two Y-shaped immunoglobulin monomers linked by a central purple component, which represents the **J-chain**, and enveloped by a yellow structure, which represents the **secretory component**. This **dimeric** structure with a secretory component is characteristic of secretory IgA. - **Secretory IgA** is primarily found in mucosal secretions such as saliva, tears, breast milk, and gastrointestinal fluids, where it plays a crucial role in **mucosal immunity** by preventing pathogen adhesion. *Immunoglobulin G (IgG)* - IgG exists as a **monomer** (single Y-shaped unit) in its functional form. - It is the most abundant immunoglobulin in serum and plays a major role in **secondary immune responses** and can cross the placenta. *Immunoglobulin M (IgM)* - In serum, IgM typically exists as a **pentamer**, meaning five Y-shaped units are joined together by a J-chain, forming a star-like structure. - It is the first antibody produced in a **primary immune response** and is effective in complement activation. *Immunoglobulin E (IgE)* - IgE exists as a **monomer** and is primarily associated with **allergic reactions** and defense against parasites. - It binds to receptors on mast cells and basophils, triggering immune responses upon allergen exposure. [Practice more Microbiology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which of the following cell components produced by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is responsible for attachment to host cells?

Pili (fimbriae). ***Pili (fimbriae)*** - **Pili** are hair-like appendages on the surface of *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* that facilitate initial attachment to **eukaryotic host cells**, particularly epithelial cells in the genitourinary tract. - This attachment is crucial for **colonization** and preventing the bacteria from being washed away by bodily fluids. *Lipooligosaccharide* - **Lipooligosaccharide (LOS)** is a major component of the outer membrane of *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* that contributes to **virulence** through its endotoxin activity, causing inflammation and tissue damage. - While it's important for pathogenicity, its primary role isn't direct attachment but rather the **immune response modulation** and tissue invasion. *IgA1 protease* - **IgA1 protease** is an enzyme produced by *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* that cleaves **IgA1 antibodies**, which are found on mucosal surfaces. - This enzyme helps the bacteria **evade the host immune response** by destroying protective antibodies, not directly mediating cell attachment. *Outer membrane porin protein* - **Outer membrane porin proteins (Porins)** form channels in the outer membrane of *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, allowing the passage of small molecules. - While important for bacterial metabolism and survival, porins are not the primary structures responsible for **initial host cell attachment**. [Practice more Microbiology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which of the following does not possess superantigen properties?

Vibrio cholerae. ***Vibrio cholerae*** - This bacterium is primarily known for producing **cholera toxin**, which acts on the **adenylate cyclase** pathway to cause severe watery diarrhea. - While it produces powerful toxins, these do not function as **superantigens**, meaning they do not directly bind to MHC class II and T-cell receptors outside the antigen-binding groove. *Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins* - These toxins, produced by **Streptococcus pyogenes**, are well-known **superantigens** that cause symptoms such as **scarlet fever** and **streptococcal toxic shock syndrome**. - They bind directly to MHC class II molecules and T-cell receptors, leading to widespread T-cell activation and massive cytokine release. *Staphylococcal enterotoxins* - Produced by **Staphylococcus aureus**, these toxins are a classic example of **superantigens**, causing symptoms such as **food poisoning** and **toxic shock syndrome**. - They bypass conventional antigen presentation, nonspecifically activating a large proportion of T cells and inducing a massive inflammatory response. *None of these* - This option is incorrect because *Vibrio cholerae* stands out as the organism among the choices that does not produce superantigens. - Both streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins and staphylococcal enterotoxins are well-established superantigens. [Practice more Microbiology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which antibody is not transmitted from mother to baby?

IgA antibodies. ***IgA antibodies*** - While IgA is found in breast milk and provides **passive immunity** to the infant's gastrointestinal tract, it is **not transferred across the placenta** to the fetus. - This antibody has a larger molecular structure and is primarily involved in **mucosal immunity**, making it unsuitable for transplacental transfer. *Diphtheria IgG antibodies* - **IgG antibodies**, including those for diphtheria, are actively transported across the **placenta** from mother to fetus during the third trimester. - This transfer provides the newborn with **passive immunity** against diphtheria during the first few months of life. *Tetanus IgG antibodies* - Similar to diphtheria IgG, **tetanus IgG antibodies** are efficiently transported across the **placenta** from mother to baby. - This offers crucial **passive protection** against tetanus, particularly important after birth. *Measles IgG antibodies* - **Measles IgG antibodies** from a vaccinated or previously infected mother cross the **placenta** to the fetus. - This maternal transfer provides temporary **passive immunity** to the newborn against measles. [Practice more Microbiology PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

Fungal infection which is acquired by traumatic inoculation is?

Accepted Answer

Sporothrix

Answer

Coccidioides

Answer

Paracoccidioides

Answer

Blastomyces

Question 2

The image of an immunoglobulin is shown below. Which type of immunoglobulin is it?

Accepted Answer

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

Answer

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

Answer

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

Answer

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

Question 3

Which of the following cell components produced by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is responsible for attachment to host cells?

Accepted Answer

Pili (fimbriae)

Answer

Lipooligosaccharide

Answer

IgA1 protease

Answer

Outer membrane porin protein

Question 4

Which of the following does not possess superantigen properties?

Accepted Answer

Vibrio cholerae

Answer

Staphylococcal enterotoxins

Answer

Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins

Answer

None of these

Question 5

Which antibody is not transmitted from mother to baby?

Accepted Answer

IgA antibodies

Answer

Tetanus IgG antibodies

Answer

Diphtheria IgG antibodies

Answer

Measles IgG antibodies

Question 6

Which interleukin is primarily responsible for inducing IgE production from B cells?

Accepted Answer

IL-4

Answer

IL-1 and IL-3

Answer

IL-3

Answer

IL-1

Question 7

HBsAg is based on which principle

Accepted Answer

ELISA

Answer

Chemiluminescence

Answer

Immunofluorescence

Answer

Immunochromatography assays

Question 8

Identify the parasite shown in the image.

Accepted Answer

Trichuris trichiura

Answer

Ancylostoma duodenale

Answer

Strongyloides stercoralis

Answer

Paragonimus westermani

Question 9

A 15-year-old boy presented with fever and chills for 3 days. On examination, he was found to have delayed skin pinch time and dry oral mucosa. Identify the pathogen involved based on the provided peripheral blood smear image.

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium vivax

Answer

Babesia

Answer

Plasmodium falciparum

Answer

Salmonella typhi

Question 10

Identify the following bacterium from the image.

Accepted Answer

Neisseria meningitidis

Answer

Neisseria cinerea

Answer

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Answer

Neisseria polysaccharea

NEET-PG 2020 — Microbiology