Bacterial Diseases in Humans

Review Questions

A disease that is constantly present in a population is called _____.

  1. pandemic
  2. epidemic
  3. endemic
  4. re-emerging

Hint:

C

Which of the statements about biofilms is incorrect?

  1. Biofilms are considered responsible for diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
  2. Biofilms produce dental plaque, and colonize catheters and prostheses.
  3. Biofilms colonize open wounds and burned tissue.
  4. All statements are incorrect.

Hint:

D

Which of these statements is true?

  1. An antibiotic is any substance produced by a organism that is antagonistic to the growth of prokaryotes.
  2. An antibiotic is any substance produced by a prokaryote that is antagonistic to the growth of other viruses.
  3. An antibiotic is any substance produced by a prokaryote that is antagonistic to the growth of eukaryotic cells.
  4. An antibiotic is any substance produced by a prokaryote that prevents growth of the same prokaryote.

Hint:

A

A person in England arrives at a medical clinic with a fever and swollen lymph nodes shortly after returning from a visit to New Mexico. For which bacteria should the doctor test the patient?

  1. Salmonella enterica
  2. Borrelia burgdorferi
  3. Clostridium botulinum
  4. Yersinia pestis

Hint:

D

MRSA has emerged as a serious infectious disease, with the first case of methicillin-resistant S. aureus being detected in 1961. Why are medical professionals so concerned when antibiotics exist that can kill MRSA?

  1. MRSA can transfer methicillin-resistance to other bacteria.
  2. Patients are not treated with correct antibiotics rapidly enough to prevent serious illness.
  3. MRSA could acquire additional antibiotic resistance genes from other bacteria to become a “super bug.”
  4. All of the above.

Hint:

D