Microbiology worksheet with answers

Tapeworms and roundworms are examples of:

1. APrions
2. BHelminths
3. CProtozoa
4. DFungi

How is HIV mainly transmitted?

1. AThrough coughing, sneezing and sharing cups or cutlery with others
2. BThrough shared drinking glasses
3. CThrough mosquito bites
4. DThrough blood, sexual contact and from mother to child

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

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

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

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

Which part of the immune system produces antibodies?

1. ANeutrophils
2. BCytotoxic T cells activated in the lymph nodes
3. CPlasma cells derived from B lymphocytes
4. DNatural killer cells

In the chain of infection, what is the "reservoir"?

1. AThe route by which the pathogen leaves the infected host's body
2. BThe person who is most at risk of infection
3. CThe way the pathogen enters a new host
4. DThe place where the pathogen normally lives and multiplies

Why must a negative-sense RNA virus such as influenza carry its own RNA-dependent RNA polymerase into the host cell?

1. AHost cells cannot make mRNA from an RNA template
2. BThe polymerase protects the virus from antibodies
3. CThe polymerase is needed to integrate the genome into host DNA
4. DHost ribosomes cannot read any viral genes

A deep, dirty wound becomes swollen and very painful, and gas can be felt under the skin. Which organism is most likely?

1. AStreptococcus pneumoniae
2. BClostridium perfringens
3. CNeisseria gonorrhoeae
4. DBordetella pertussis