Problem 1
Which one of the following is characteristic of mycobacteria? A. They contain mycolic acids. B. They are resistant to inactivation by heat. C. They grow extracellularly. D. They are anaerobic. E. They are spore forming.
Problem 2
An acid-fast smear on a patient's sputum is positive. The tuberculin test, however, is negative. A more definitive diagnosis could be obtained by A. paying attention to the patient's history. B. a more extensive physical examination. C. a chest radiograph. D. repeat of the sputum smear. E. laboratory culture and speciation.
Problem 3
Which of the following statements regarding Actinomyces and Nocardia is true? A. Both organisms have branching growth but are prokaryotes. B. Neither can be cultured in the laboratory C. Nocardia infections are endogenous and often initiated by trauma. D. Actinomyces usually causes infections in systemically compromised patients. E. Neither is sensitive to antibacterial drugs.
Problem 4
The treatment of tuberculosis A. is initiated with a single "first-line" drug. B. is initiated after the results of sensitivity testing is available. C. is most effective in patients with chronic or arrested tubercles. D. may last 2 to 3 weeks. E. should be directly observed whenever possible.
Problem 5
Virulence in mycobacteria is most strongly correlated with: A. mycotoxin production. B. slow growth. C. composition of the cell envelope. D. small size of cells. E. dependence on oxygen for growth.
