Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of the lymphatic system in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

It carries leaked fluid from capillaries back to the blood, helping maintain fluid balance and immune surveillance.

Question 2

A patient presents with fever, chills, and a red streak running up their arm as shown in the image. Which condition is most likely indicated?

Accepted Answer

Lymphangitis associated with septicemia

Question 3

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of toxemia compared to septicemia?

Accepted Answer

Toxemia involves toxins released into the blood while bacteria remain at the infection site.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why Gram-negative bacteria are more likely to cause severe septicemia?

Accepted Answer

Their cell wall contains Lipid A, which is released as endotoxin upon bacterial death, triggering widespread inflammation and shock.

Question 5

A patient develops vegetations on their heart valves after a dental procedure. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Viridans streptococci

Question 6

Which of the following is a zoonotic disease that can be acquired by consuming unpasteurized dairy products and is characterized by a fluctuating fever?

Accepted Answer

Brucellosis

Question 7

A patient presents with a large, swollen lymph node (bubo) in the groin, fever, and a history of flea bites. Which pathogen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Yersinia pestis

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which Borrelia burgdorferi evades the human immune system in Lyme disease?

Accepted Answer

It alters its membrane proteins to avoid immune detection.

Question 9

Which of the following genetic traits confers resistance to Plasmodium vivax infection?

Accepted Answer

Lack of Duffy antigens on erythrocytes

Question 10

A patient with a history of travel to Africa presents with fever, jaundice, and a mosquito bite. Which virus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Yellow fever virus

Question 11

Which of the following is the primary vector for transmission of the pathogen causing Chagas’ disease?

Accepted Answer

Kissing bug (Triatomine bug)

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why reinfection with a different strain of dengue virus can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever?

Accepted Answer

A hyperimmune response causes increased vascular permeability and internal bleeding.

Question 13

Which of the following is a key diagnostic feature of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in tissue samples?

Accepted Answer

Owl's eye cells with enlarged nuclei and inclusions

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis?

Accepted Answer

Larvae burrow through the skin, mature in the vascular system, and eggs lodge in organs causing inflammation.

Question 15

Which of the following is the most effective prevention strategy for malaria in endemic regions?

Accepted Answer

Limiting contact with mosquitoes using insecticides, nets, and protective clothing

Question 16

A patient presents with severe sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Laboratory findings show large, lobed B lymphocytes and neutropenia. Which virus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4)

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why endocarditis is more common in IV drug users?

Accepted Answer

IV drug use introduces bacteria directly into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of colonization of the endocardium.

Question 18

Which of the following is a common route of transmission for Toxoplasma gondii to humans?

Accepted Answer

Consumption of undercooked meat containing the parasite

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of endotoxin (Lipid A) released from Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It activates nonspecific defensive responses, leading to fever, inflammation, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and shock.

Question 20

A patient presents with fever, malaise, and a distinctive bull’s-eye rash after hiking in a wooded area. Which vector is most likely responsible for transmitting the causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Ixodes tick (deer tick)

Microbial Cardiovascular and Systemic Diseases: Structure, Pathogenesis, and Clinical Features

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