Question 1

Which of the following is a characteristic that distinguishes fungi from plants?

Accepted Answer

Fungi have cell walls made of chitin.

Question 2

A patient presents with a ring-shaped, red, itchy lesion on their arm. Which group of organisms is most likely responsible for this infection?

Accepted Answer

Dermatophyte fungi

Question 3

Which of the following protozoa is transmitted primarily through sexual contact and lacks a cyst form?

Accepted Answer

Trichomonas vaginalis

Question 4

Naegleria fowleri, known as the 'brain-eating amoeba,' most commonly infects humans by which route?

Accepted Answer

Entry of trophozoites through the nose during swimming in warm freshwater

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the life cycle of Plasmodium spp. in humans?

Accepted Answer

Sporozoites infect liver cells, develop into merozoites, which then infect red blood cells.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about Candida albicans is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It is a dimorphic fungus and part of the normal microbiota.

Question 7

A 25-year-old woman presents with vaginal discharge, itching, and burning. Microscopy reveals motile, flagellated protozoa. Which treatment is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Metronidazole

Question 8

Which of the following is a defining feature of protozoa?

Accepted Answer

They are unicellular eukaryotes without cell walls.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why ringworm infections are called 'tinea'?

Accepted Answer

They are fungal infections named for the ring-like appearance of lesions.

Question 10

A patient develops Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) after swimming in a hot spring. Which stage of Naegleria fowleri is responsible for infecting the brain?

Accepted Answer

Trophozoite

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of fungi?

Accepted Answer

They are always unicellular.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the Plasmodium life cycle is correct?

Accepted Answer

The asexual phase occurs in humans, and the sexual phase occurs in mosquitoes.

Question 13

Which of the following is a major virulence factor of dermatophyte fungi causing ringworm?

Accepted Answer

Ability to degrade keratin

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between septate and coenocytic hyphae in fungi?

Accepted Answer

Septate hyphae have cross-walls, while coenocytic hyphae lack septa.

Question 15

A patient with a history of immunosuppression develops oral thrush and esophagitis. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Candida albicans

Question 16

Which of the following statements about Trichomonas vaginalis is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

It forms cysts to survive outside the host.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct order of the Plasmodium spp. life cycle in humans?

Accepted Answer

Sporozoite → Liver stage (schizont) → Merozoite → Erythrocytic stage (trophozoite)

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why systemic candidiasis is more common in immunocompromised individuals?

Accepted Answer

The immune system normally keeps Candida growth in check.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of a superficial mycosis and its main clinical feature?

Accepted Answer

Tinea versicolor; leads to mild, chronic scaling and pigment changes

Question 20

Which of the following equations best represents the exponential growth of a fungal colony under ideal conditions?

Accepted Answer

$$N_t = N_0$ e$$^{rt}$$

Eukaryotic Pathogens: Protozoa and Fungi in Human Disease

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