Question 1

Which anatomical feature of the female urinary tract increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to males?

Accepted Answer

Shorter urethra in females provides a shorter path for bacteria to reach the bladder

Question 2

A patient presents with sudden burning pain during urination, frequent release of small amounts of cloudy urine, and tenderness above the pubic bone. Which pathogen is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli (uropathogenic strain)

Question 3

Which of the following mechanisms allows uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) to evade the host immune system and persist in the bladder epithelium?

Accepted Answer

Formation of intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs) within epithelial cells

Question 4

A woman develops a thin, grayish-white, bubbly vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor but no inflammation. Microscopy reveals clue cells. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial vaginosis

Question 5

Which of the following is a major risk factor for developing bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Accepted Answer

Multiple sex partners and use of intrauterine devices (IUDs)

Question 6

Which of the following statements about vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is caused by Candida albicans, which is part of the normal microbiota

Question 7

A patient with poorly controlled diabetes and recent antibiotic use develops intense vaginal itching and thick, clumpy discharge. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Topical or oral antifungals such as fluconazole

Question 8

Which of the following is a key feature of the pathogenesis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic variation of surface proteins such as LOS and Opa

Question 9

Why is there no effective vaccine for gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic variation and lack of an animal model make vaccine development difficult

Question 10

A newborn develops conjunctivitis after passing through the birth canal of a mother with an untreated STI. Which two pathogens are most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis

Question 11

Which stage of syphilis is characterized by a painless, red ulcer (chancre) at the site of infection?

Accepted Answer

Primary syphilis

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why tertiary syphilis is difficult to treat with antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Most T. pallidum organisms are not actively multiplying during this stage

Question 13

A patient presents with painful genital ulcers and enlarged, tender lymph nodes. Which pathogen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Haemophilus ducreyi

Question 14

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Trichomonas vaginalis compared to other STI pathogens?

Accepted Answer

It is a protozoan with flagella and an axostyle

Question 15

Which of the following is a recommended strategy to prevent vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child?

Accepted Answer

Administration of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) during pregnancy

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of reverse transcriptase in HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

It copies viral RNA into DNA, which integrates into the host genome

Question 17

A sexually active woman is found to have abnormal Pap smear results. Which viral infection is most likely associated with this finding?

Accepted Answer

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the pathogenesis of Chlamydia trachomatis is correct?

Accepted Answer

It forms elementary bodies that induce endocytosis in host cells

Question 19

Which of the following is a common consequence of untreated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) caused by bacterial vaginosis or chlamydial infection?

Accepted Answer

Infertility due to scarring and destruction of ciliated epithelium in fallopian tubes

Microbiology Chapter 25: Reproductive and Urinary Tract Infections & Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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