Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a natural defense of the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Normal biota

Question 2

A patient presents with fever, headache, stiff neck, and photophobia. CSF analysis reveals gram-negative diplococci. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Neisseria meningitidis

Question 3

Which layer of the meninges is closest to the brain tissue?

Accepted Answer

Pia mater

Question 4

Why are drugs and antibiotics often difficult to deliver to the CNS?

Accepted Answer

The blood-brain barrier restricts passage of most molecules

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the normal biota of the nervous system is correct?

Accepted Answer

Detection of microbes in the CNS usually indicates disease

Question 6

A newborn develops meningitis after passing through the birth canal. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus agalactiae

Question 7

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis compared to Neisseria meningitidis meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-hemolysin and hydrogen peroxide production

Question 8

Which causative agent of meningitis is most likely to be associated with consumption of contaminated dairy products and can cross the placenta?

Accepted Answer

Listeria monocytogenes

Question 9

A patient in Arizona presents with symptoms of chronic meningitis. Which fungal pathogen should be considered based on geographic prevalence?

Accepted Answer

Coccidioides immitis

Question 10

Which of the following viruses is most commonly associated with viral meningitis in children?

Accepted Answer

Enteroviruses

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the blood-brain barrier is correct?

Accepted Answer

It restricts passage of most microorganisms and many drugs

Question 12

Which of the following is a virulence factor that enables Neisseria meningitidis to penetrate the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

Polysaccharide capsule

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the gut-brain axis?

Accepted Answer

Gut microbiota can induce CNS autoimmunity

Question 14

A patient presents with chronic meningitis, gradual onset of symptoms, and is found to have a spherical organism with a large capsule in the CSF. What is the most likely causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Cryptococcus neoformans

Question 15

Which of the following is the most frequent cause of community-acquired meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

It is most commonly caused by enteroviruses in children

Question 17

Which of the following organisms is most likely to cause neonatal meningitis in premature babies and is associated with a poor prognosis?

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli K1 strain

Question 18

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Listeria monocytogenes?

Accepted Answer

It grows inside host cells and moves directly from infected to adjacent healthy cells

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct pairing of causative agent and disease?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus agalactiae – neonatal meningitis

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the epidemiology of Coccidioides infections?

Accepted Answer

60% of all U.S. infections occur in Arizona

Chapter 20: Infectious Diseases Manifesting in the Nervous System – Structure, Defenses, and Major Pathogens

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards