Microbial Mastery Quiz

Staphylococcus aureus is a specific type of GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA known for causing skin infections. It typically forms golden yellow colonies on agar and appears in round grape clusters on slides, distinguishing it from other types of bacteria like GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA, Spirochetes, and PROTOZOA which cause different diseases.

Streptococcus pyogenes is a Gram-positive bacteria that commonly causes acute soft tissue infections, such as impetigo and pharyngitis. It can also lead to complications like rheumatic fever if left untreated.

Salmonella spp. are actually GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA that live in the intestines of animals and can be transmitted through contaminated food. It is important to wash hands with soap and water after being around animals to prevent infection.

Escherichia coli is a type of Gram-negative bacteria that can be ingested through contaminated food or water. It is important to avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat and to practice proper hand hygiene to prevent infection. E. coli is highly versatile and can cause various infections such as UTI, sepsis, meningitis, and diarrhea.

Vibrio cholera is specifically a GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA found in water/food sources contaminated by poop. It is not a Gram-positive bacteria found in soil, not a fungus found in human intestines, or a protozoa transmitted through mosquito bites.

Clostridium tetani is a gram-positive bacteria known for causing tetanus, a condition characterized by muscle spasms and 'lockjaw'. It produces endospores and is typically treated with Penicillin or Metronidazole.

Clostridium perfringens is a gram-positive bacterial species known for causing common food-borne illnesses, usually associated with beef, poultry, and dried/pre-cooked meats. Outbreaks often occur in institutions where bulk cooking is practiced, such as schools and nursing homes. Prevention involves cooking and storing food at correct temperatures to avoid contamination.

Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive bacterium that can form spores and cause colitis, often after antibiotic treatments. It is found in feces and is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, making it easily transmissible by medical workers. Proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing its spread.

Bacillus anthracis is a gram-positive bacteria known for its spore-forming capabilities. It is typically found in soil of grazing areas and can be transmitted through improper food handling. The bacteria causes ulcers and can be fatal if left untreated, although cases are rare.

Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete bacterium that causes Lyme disease, transmitted through tick bites. It does not involve viruses, protozoa, or respiratory droplets.

Bordatella pertussis is a gram-negative bacteria that causes whooping cough. It is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets and is highly contagious. While it is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans, it is not caused by gram-positive bacteria, viruses, or spirilla.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is classified as a Gram-negative bacteria, not Gram-positive, anaerobic, or spirochete bacteria.

Treponema pallidum is a bacterial spirochete responsible for causing the sexually transmitted disease syphilis. It is not a viral, parasitic, or fungal infection.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is classified as a GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA due to its lack of a cell wall, making it resistant to antibiotics like penicillin.

Pneumocystis carinii is a fungal infection specifically known for causing severe lung infections in immunocompromised individuals, unlike the incorrect answers provided.

Candida albicans is a type of fungus known for causing yeast infections and other related symptoms.

Tinea sp. specifically refers to fungal infections, not bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. It is named for its location and is commonly known as ringworm.

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that causes a sexually transmitted infection. It is characterized by flagellated structures and typically exists in the trophozoite form. Many individuals infected with this parasite may not show symptoms, but common signs include itching and burning in the genital area.

Cryptosporidium spp. is a protozoa that is known to cause watery diarrhea and is typically transmitted through contaminated water and zoonotic fluids.

Plasmodium spp. is a type of protozoa that is transmitted by mosquitoes and some species infect humans, causing malaria. It is not a type of bacteria, fungi, or helminths which are different types of organisms with distinct characteristics and habitats.

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is caused by the protozoan Naegleria fowleri, which enters the body through the nose and infects the brain. It is commonly found in warm bodies of fresh water. The symptoms include changes in taste and smell, fever, nausea, confusion, and hallucinations.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoa that is transmitted through contaminated food or water. It infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans, and most people infected do not show symptoms. In many cases, treatment may not be necessary.

Taenia solium and Taenia saginata are types of tapeworms that infect humans through consuming raw or undercooked meat. Solium is usually found in pork while saginata is found in beef. These helminths can cause mild or no symptoms but can lead to more serious complications such as seizures.

Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as the human pinworm, is a type of roundworm that infects human hosts through the fecal-oral route. It causes itching in the anal region. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichinella spiralis, and Taenia solium are different helminths that infect humans through various mechanisms.

Necator americanus, also known as HELMINTH hookworm, is a type of nematode that causes iron deficiency anemia in humans. It is typically found in tropical and temperate regions, living in the small intestines and leading to symptoms such as respiratory issues and abdominal pain. Other options like Ancylostoma duodenale, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura are different types of parasitic worms with distinct characteristics and effects on the host.

Flavivirus West Nile is a virus transmitted primarily through mosquito bites. It is not related to food poisoning, influenza, or bacterial infections. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available for this virus.

Rabies virus belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae and is a bullet-shaped virus that is neurotropic, meaning it specifically infects nerve cells. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, and has a broad host spectrum including mammals.

Dirofilaria immitis is commonly known as 'heartworm' as it is a parasitic roundworm that affects the heart and lungs of dogs, cats, wolves, and coyotes.