Microbiology worksheet with answers

What is a yeast?

1. AA multicellular parasite
2. BA type of spiral bacterium
3. CA single-celled fungus
4. DA small virus

What is a pathogen?

1. AA drug that kills bacteria
2. BAny microorganism living on the skin
3. CA microorganism that can cause disease
4. DA cell of the immune system

What is a pandemic?

1. AAn epidemic that spreads across several countries or continents
2. BA single case of a rare disease
3. CAn outbreak limited to one hospital ward
4. DA disease that is always present at a low, stable level in a region

Which bacterium causes whooping cough (pertussis)?

1. AMycoplasma pneumoniae
2. BBordetella pertussis
3. CHaemophilus influenzae
4. DCorynebacterium diphtheriae

What is the main virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the target of its vaccines?

1. AIts cholera-like toxin
2. BIts polysaccharide capsule
3. CIts flagella
4. DIts endospores

What is endotoxin?

1. AA protein toxin secreted by Gram-positive bacteria into the surrounding tissue
2. BA toxin made by fungi in damp buildings
3. CThe lipopolysaccharide in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria
4. DA toxin produced only inside human cells

Why can an HIV antibody test be negative in the first weeks after infection?

1. AThe antibodies are destroyed by the test reagents
2. BThe virus hides only in red blood cells during the first weeks
3. CHIV does not trigger antibody production at all
4. DThe body has not yet produced enough antibodies to detect

Primary syphilis typically presents with:

1. ADamage to the heart and brain
2. BA painful cluster of small blisters on the genitals or the mouth
3. CA painless ulcer (chancre) at the site of infection
4. DA widespread rash on the palms and soles