microbiology_flashcards

Question 1

Which mechanism mediates flucloxacillin resistance in S. aureus?

Answer 1

Alteration of the target

Question 2

By which mechanism is ESBL E.coli resistant to ceftriaxone?

Answer 2

Enzymatic inactivation of antibiotic

Question 3

A patient has grown a fully susceptible E.coli in their urine. Which of the following is the narrowest spectrum agent you should de-escalate to?
a. Amoxicillin
b. Ceftriaxone
c. Co-amoxiclav
d. Meropenem
e. Piperacillin/tazobactam

Answer 3

Amoxicillin

Question 4

What is the most common syndrome of HAI?

Answer 4

Urinary tract infection with catheter

Question 5

What is C. difficile?

Answer 5

Gram pos spore-forming anaerobe

Question 6

What is the most frequent route of entry of pathogens into CNS?

Answer 6

Haematogenous spread

Question 7

What would meningococcal meningitis be classified as?

Answer 7

Acute meningitis

Question 8

In addition to CSF from a lumbar puncture, what 3 other microbiological samples should be sent when you suspect meningitis?

Answer 8

Blood culture, throat swab, blood PCR

Question 9

What are fungi?

Answer 9

Eukaryotic organisms with chitinous cell walls and ergosterol containing plasma membranes

Question 10

Which is the commonest cause of fungal infections in humans?

Answer 10

Candida spp

Question 11

Mr A is complaining of a painful mouth and his tongue looks strange. What is wrong with his tongue?

Answer 11

Oral candidiasis

Question 12

Which one is the yeast?

Answer 12

A (Candida Gram stain). Both gram positive. Yeasts are larger

Question 13

Which animal is Cryptococcus associated with?

Answer 13

Pigeons

Question 14

What type of ink is used for a cryptococcal stain?

Answer 14

India

Question 15

Why might antifungals targeting the cell membrane not work in PCP?

Answer 15

It lacks ergosterol in its cell wall

Question 16

Which one of the following viruses is the most contagious?

Answer 16

Measles

Question 17

Vaccination with a live vaccine should be deferred if: 2 correct answers

Answer 17

a. Patient has received immunoglobulin in past 3 months b. Patient is receiving systemic high dose steroids

Question 18

What percentage of the worlds population is infected with TB?

Answer 18

33%

Question 19

The laboratory calls you saying they have found Acid Fast Bacilli in a clinical sample. Which answer is most appropriate?

Answer 19

Thank them and recommend the start of TB therapy

Question 20

A 23 year old male is a close contact of a person with smear positive pulmonary TB. What is his lifetime risk of developing active TB?

Answer 20

10%

Question 21

What infection test is NOT currently included in routine screening of pregnant women?

Answer 21

Toxoplasmosis

Question 22

What is the most common cause of early onset neonatal sepsis?

Answer 22

Group B strep

Question 23

What is the most common type of meningococcal disease in the UK?

Answer 23

Men B

Question 24

What is the commonest cause of death worldwide in children under 5 years?

Answer 24

Pneumonia

Question 25

Which of the following is associated with a reduced risk of SSI?

Answer 25

Bactericidal concentration of antibiotic in serum at time of incision

Question 26

What is the most likely pathogen?

Answer 26

Coagulase negative staphylococci

Question 27

What cells are these?

Answer 27

Squamous epithelial cells

Question 28

Which one of the following cell types on microscopy suggest a poorly taken sample?

Answer 28

Squamous epithelial cells

Question 29

Which of the following dipstick parameters is a product of nitrate reductase and suggestive of a UTI?

Answer 29

Nitrites

Question 30

A 51-year-old with a recent HSCT is unwell. Which is the most appropriate test? ALT = 800 IU/mL

Answer 30

HEV PCR

Question 31

Which type of immunosuppression carries the greatest relative risk of developing a viral infection?

Answer 31

Allogeneic stem cell transplant

Question 32

A patient who received a stem cell transplant 2 weeks ago presents with mouth ulcers. Which of the following viruses would you test for on the mouth swab?

Answer 32

HSV PCR

Question 33

Which of these is NOT an antiviral?

Answer 33

Rituximab

Question 34

Which patient has previously had Hepatitis B Infection?

Answer 34

sAg-, cAb+, sAb-

Question 35

What is the definition of gastroenteritis?

Answer 35

More than 1 week of symptoms

Question 36

Which risk factors are associated with gastroenteritis?

Answer 36

a. Elderly b. Infancy c. MSM

Question 37

Which extra-intestinal manifestations are associated with Salmonella infection? a. Erythema Nodosum b. Abscess formation c. Aortitis

Answer 37

Aortitis

Question 38

Which virus is commonly associated with outbreaks?

Answer 38

Norovirus