Microbiology worksheet with answers

What is a yeast?

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

What is meant by the normal flora (microbiota) of the body?

1. ABacteria that always cause mild infections
2. BMicroorganisms found only in sick patients
3. CThe white blood cells in healthy tissue
4. DMicroorganisms that normally live on or in the body without causing disease

Edward Jenner is known for developing vaccination against which disease?

1. ASmallpox
2. BTuberculosis
3. CPolio
4. DRabies

What is the main difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

1. AAdaptive immunity is specific and forms memory; innate immunity does not
2. BInnate immunity uses antibodies and forms memory; adaptive immunity does not
3. CAdaptive immunity acts within minutes of infection
4. DInnate immunity develops only after vaccination

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

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

MRSA is resistant to methicillin because it has:

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

A patient with suspected infectious pulmonary tuberculosis is admitted. Which precautions are needed?

1. AAirborne precautions, ideally a negative-pressure room and respirator masks for staff
2. BDroplet precautions with a surgical mask, and only within one metre
3. CContact precautions only, with gloves and an apron
4. DNo special precautions, because TB spreads only by blood

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

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