Question 1

Which of the following is a major reason why chronic Hepatitis C infection can lead to liver cancer?

Accepted Answer

Chronic inflammation and liver cell turnover due to persistent HCV infection increase the risk of malignant transformation.

Question 2

A patient presents with a painless genital ulcer that heals spontaneously, followed by a generalized skin rash on the palms and soles. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Treponema pallidum

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why Neisseria gonorrhoeae is able to evade the host immune system?

Accepted Answer

It secretes IgA protease, which cleaves secretory IgA and impairs mucosal immunity.

Question 4

A newborn develops severe eye inflammation and is at risk for blindness after passing through the birth canal of an untreated mother. Which prophylactic treatment is recommended immediately after birth?

Accepted Answer

Erythromycin

Question 5

Which of the following statements about Hepatitis C is correct?

Accepted Answer

Treatment with interferon and ribavirin can lessen liver damage but does not cure the infection.

Question 6

A Gram stain of urethral exudate reveals Gram-negative intracellular diplococci within neutrophils. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Gonorrhea

Question 7

Which stage of syphilis is characterized by the formation of gummas and damage to multiple organs?

Accepted Answer

Tertiary syphilis

Question 8

What is the most common cause of sterility and ectopic tubal pregnancies in women with untreated gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

Salpingitis (PID) due to mixed anaerobic abdominal infection

Question 9

Which of the following is true regarding the transmission of Treponema pallidum?

Accepted Answer

It is transmitted sexually and transplacentally from mother to fetus.

Question 10

A patient allergic to penicillin is diagnosed with syphilis. Which alternative antibiotics can be used for treatment?

Accepted Answer

Tetracycline and doxycycline

Question 11

Which laboratory test is used to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum in syphilis diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin)

Question 12

Why does Neisseria gonorrhoeae not survive long outside the human host?

Accepted Answer

It is extremely fastidious and sensitive to environmental conditions.

Question 13

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of secondary syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Non-itchy rash on palms and soles, fever, and sore throat

Question 14

What is the primary method of transmission for Hepatitis C virus?

Accepted Answer

Blood contact, such as transfusions and needle sharing

Question 15

Which of the following equations best represents the probability $P$ of a male being asymptomatic for gonorrhea, given that 10% are asymptomatic?

Accepted Answer

$P = 0.10$

Question 16

A pregnant woman with untreated syphilis is at risk of transmitting the infection to her fetus. Which trimester(s) can congenital syphilis occur?

Accepted Answer

In any of the three trimesters

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of congenital syphilis in infants?

Accepted Answer

Yellowish urethral discharge

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the latent period of syphilis?

Accepted Answer

It can last for up to 20 years, during which no symptoms are present.

Question 19

Which of the following is a common misconception about the treatment of Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

Interferon and ribavirin can cure the infection.

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible reason why recurrent gonococcal infections can occur?

Accepted Answer

Antigenic variation in surface molecules allows the bacteria to evade immune memory.

Microbiology Study Notes: Hepatitis C, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum (Syphilis)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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