Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizes glucose from amino acids

Question 2

Why is the surface of the skin inhospitable for most microbes?

Accepted Answer

It is covered with salt and sebum, which are antimicrobial

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the role of the normal skin microbiome?

Accepted Answer

It competes with pathogens for nutrients and space, producing chemicals that interfere with growth of other microbes

Question 4

Which bacterial species is most commonly associated with folliculitis and is more virulent?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 5

Referencing Table 19.1, which virulence factor is present in Staphylococcus aureus but NOT in Staphylococcus epidermidis?

Accepted Answer

Coagulase

Question 6

A patient presents with red, swollen, pus-filled hair follicles. Which diagnostic method would best confirm staphylococcal folliculitis?

Accepted Answer

Detection of Gram-positive cocci in grapelike arrangements from pus

Question 7

Which of the following drugs is used to treat resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus?

Accepted Answer

Vancomycin

Question 8

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is caused by:

Accepted Answer

Exfoliative toxins released by S. aureus

Question 9

Impetigo is most commonly caused by which pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 10

Which virulence factor of Streptococcus pyogenes helps it evade phagocytosis?

Accepted Answer

M protein

Question 11

Necrotizing fasciitis is most often caused by which organism?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus pyogenes

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic sign of Pseudomonas infection in burn victims?

Accepted Answer

Blue-green discoloration due to pyocyanin

Question 13

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by which pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Rickettsia rickettsii

Question 14

Cutaneous anthrax is characterized by the formation of:

Accepted Answer

Painless, swollen, black crusty ulcer called an eschar

Question 15

Gas gangrene develops when endospores of which organism infect dead tissue?

Accepted Answer

Clostridium perfringens

Question 16

Which viral disease is characterized by lesions that progress from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and then crusts?

Accepted Answer

Smallpox

Question 17

After a primary infection, herpesviruses often remain latent in which type of cells?

Accepted Answer

Sensory nerve cells

Question 18

Which of the following fungi is responsible for superficial mycoses such as pityriasis versicolor?

Accepted Answer

Malassezia furfur

Question 19

Dermatophytes cause cutaneous mycoses by:

Accepted Answer

Colonizing dead layers of skin, nails, and hair and using keratin as a nutrient source

Question 20

Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Bites from infected female sand flies

Microbial Diseases of the Skin and Wounds: Structure, Microbiome, and Pathogenesis

Study Guide - Practice Questions