Microbiology worksheet with answers

How does measles mainly spread?

1. AThrough contaminated food
2. BThrough the air in droplets and aerosols
3. CThrough insect bites
4. DThrough sexual contact

What is sterilisation?

1. AKilling only bacteria but not viruses
2. BCleaning visible dirt from surfaces
3. CKilling or removing all microorganisms including spores
4. DReducing the number of microorganisms to a level safe for patients

Which is part of the body's first line of defence against infection?

1. ACytotoxic T cells
2. BIntact skin
3. CMemory B cells
4. DAntibodies

MRSA is resistant to methicillin because it has:

1. AAn altered penicillin-binding protein (PBP2a)
2. BA polysaccharide capsule that blocks the entry of all beta-lactams
3. CAn efflux pump for every antibiotic
4. DNo cell wall at all

What does PCR do in a diagnostic laboratory?

1. AIt grows bacteria faster on agar plates
2. BIt measures the level of specific antibodies in a patient's serum sample
3. CIt stains bacteria so they can be seen
4. DIt makes many copies of a specific DNA sequence so it can be detected

Which laboratory test separates Staphylococcus aureus from most other staphylococci?

1. AThe Gram stain
2. BThe acid-fast stain
3. CThe catalase test
4. DThe coagulase test

How do high-risk HPV types contribute to cervical cancer?

1. AThe virus destroys CD4 T cells in the cervix
2. BThe virus kills cells so quickly that they are replaced by cancer cells
3. CThe virus produces an endotoxin that damages DNA
4. DViral E6 and E7 proteins inactivate the tumour suppressors p53 and Rb

After eating home-canned vegetables, a patient develops double vision, difficulty swallowing and a descending flaccid paralysis. What is the most likely cause?

1. ABotulinum toxin, which blocks acetylcholine release
2. BTetanus toxin, which blocks inhibitory neurotransmitters
3. CA viral infection of the motor neurons
4. DEndotoxin from Gram-negative bacteria