Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the lymphatic system in relation to infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

It returns interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and filters pathogens via lymph nodes.

Question 2

A patient presents with a rapidly spreading red streak on their arm following a puncture wound. Which condition does this most likely indicate, and what is the underlying process?

Accepted Answer

Lymphangitis; inflammation of lymphatic vessels due to infection

Question 3

Which of the following pathogens is most commonly associated with endotoxic shock, and what is the mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Klebsiella pneumoniae; release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins

Question 4

A newborn develops sepsis shortly after birth. Which organism is most likely responsible, and what is the typical route of transmission?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus agalactiae; acquired from the mother during birth

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why antibiotics can worsen symptoms in patients with Gram-negative sepsis?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics lyse bacteria, releasing more endotoxins (LPS) into the bloodstream.

Question 6

A patient develops a black, necrotic lesion after handling animal hides. Which organism is most likely responsible, and what is the form of the disease?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus anthracis; cutaneous anthrax

Question 7

Which of the following is a key virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis that allows it to evade the immune system?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid capsule

Question 8

A patient presents with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a papule at the site of a cat scratch. Which organism is most likely responsible, and what is the typical outcome?

Accepted Answer

Bartonella henselae; self-limiting infection

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the transmission cycle of Lyme disease?

Accepted Answer

Ixodes ticks acquire Borreliella burgdorferi from mice and transmit it to humans.

Question 10

A patient develops arthritis months after a bull’s-eye rash and flulike symptoms. Which phase of Lyme disease is this, and what is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Third phase; immune response to persistent infection

Question 11

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Rocky Mountain spotted fever compared to other rickettsial diseases?

Accepted Answer

Rash appears on the palms and soles

Question 12

Which of the following statements about Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is correct?

Accepted Answer

EBV infects resting memory B cells and can lead to Burkitt’s lymphoma in immunosuppressed individuals.

Question 13

A pregnant woman contracts Toxoplasma gondii for the first time. What is the primary risk to the fetus?

Accepted Answer

Stillbirth or severe brain damage

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why malaria is difficult to eradicate?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium species rapidly mutate and have multiple life cycle stages.

Question 15

A patient presents with fever, chills, and ring forms inside red blood cells on a blood smear. Which disease is most likely, and what is the causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Malaria; Plasmodium spp.

Question 16

Which of the following is the most effective prevention strategy for schistosomiasis in endemic areas?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding contact with contaminated freshwater where snails are present

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the pathogenesis of Chagas disease in its chronic phase?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of cardiac muscle and development of megaesophagus or megacolon

Question 18

Which of the following is a common feature of classic viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola and Marburg?

Accepted Answer

Increased vascular permeability leading to internal and external bleeding

Question 19

A patient develops fever, severe joint pain, and a rash after being bitten by a mosquito in the Caribbean. Which virus is most likely responsible, and what vector is involved?

Accepted Answer

Chikungunya virus; Aedes mosquito

Microbial Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards