Q: Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains resist penicillin?

Production of $$2-$$lactamase that breaks the $$2-$$lactam ring

Question 1

Which of the following is a key virulence factor of Neisseria gonorrhoeae that specifically allows it to evade destruction by host phagocytes?

Accepted Answer

Pili that prevent phagocytosis

Question 2

A 22-year-old college student presents with abrupt onset of frontal headache, stiff neck, and fever. Gram stain of cerebrospinal fluid reveals intracellular and extracellular gram-negative diplococci. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Neisseria meningitidis

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why direct Gram stain of a cervical swab is less reliable for diagnosing gonorrhea in women than in men?

Accepted Answer

Normal vaginal flora may resemble Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Question 4

A newborn develops severe conjunctivitis two days after birth. Gram stain shows gram-negative diplococci within neutrophils. Which preventive measure most likely reduced the incidence of this disease in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

Application of antimicrobial eye drops at birth

Question 5

Which of the following statements about Neisseria meningitidis is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

It is commonly found in the nasopharynx of healthy individuals

Question 6

A patient with a history of unprotected sexual contact presents with purulent urethral discharge and dysuria. Gram stain reveals gram-negative intracellular diplococci. Which medium and atmospheric condition are optimal for culturing the causative organism?

Accepted Answer

Chocolate agar, 3-5% CO$$_2$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains resist penicillin?

Accepted Answer

Production of $$2-$$lactamase that breaks the $$2-$$lactam ring

Question 8

Which of the following is the recommended treatment for uncomplicated pharyngeal and rectal gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

Accepted Answer

Ceftriaxone

Question 9

A 5-year-old child presents with acute otitis media. Gram stain of middle ear fluid reveals gram-negative diplococci. Which organism is most likely the cause?

Accepted Answer

Branhamella (Moraxella) catarrhalis

Question 10

Which of the following is a distinguishing laboratory feature of Neisseria species?

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative, kidney bean-shaped diplococci, oxidase positive

Question 11

A 19-year-old college student living in a dormitory develops petechial skin lesions and rapidly progresses to septic shock. Which virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis is most directly responsible for the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

Accepted Answer

Endotoxin

Question 12

Which of the following Neisseria species is most likely to be confused with pathogenic Neisseria in laboratory diagnosis due to its presence in the normal flora?

Accepted Answer

Neisseria subflava

Question 13

A sexually active woman presents with lower abdominal pain, dysuria, and vaginal bleeding. She is diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Which organism is a major cause of PID and what is a serious complication if left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Neisseria gonorrhoeae; sterility or ectopic pregnancy

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why Neisseria species are described as capnophilic?

Accepted Answer

They prefer elevated CO$$_2$$ concentrations

Question 15

A laboratory is attempting to culture Neisseria meningitidis from a patient’s cerebrospinal fluid. Which of the following conditions is most critical for successful isolation?

Accepted Answer

Use of chocolate agar and incubation in 3-5% CO$$_2$$

Question 16

Which of the following is the primary reservoir for Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the population?

Accepted Answer

Asymptomatic carriers

Question 17

A patient with a history of oral-genital contact presents with pharyngitis. Gram stain of a throat swab reveals gram-negative diplococci. Which organism is a possible cause?

Accepted Answer

Neisseria meningitidis

Question 18

Which of the following is the drug of choice for prophylaxis of close contacts of a patient with Neisseria meningitidis infection?

Accepted Answer

Rifampin

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of IgA protease in Neisseria pathogenesis?

Accepted Answer

It cleaves IgA on mucosal surfaces, aiding colonization

Question 20

A patient develops purulent arthritis following a recent episode of urethritis. Which organism is most likely responsible for both conditions?

Accepted Answer

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Neisseriaceae: Pathogenic and Commensal Species in Microbiology

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