Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

Accepted Answer

It is a specialized network of capillaries that restricts the passage of most pathogens and large molecules into the CNS.

Question 2

A patient presents with sudden onset fever, headache, and a stiff neck. A lumbar puncture is performed, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shows no bacterial growth and normal glucose levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Viral meningitis

Question 3

Which of the following is a key virulence factor for Neisseria meningitidis that allows it to evade the immune system and cause meningococcal meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Capsule formation

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the nervous system contains no resident microbiota?

Accepted Answer

The blood-brain barrier and meninges prevent colonization by microbes.

Question 5

A 3-year-old child presents with fever, headache, and confusion. Haemophilus influenzae type b is isolated from the CSF. Which vaccine could have prevented this infection?

Accepted Answer

Hib vaccine

Question 6

Which of the following statements about poliovirus is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a non-enveloped RNA virus that is transmitted via the fecal-oral route.

Question 7

A patient develops neurological symptoms including hydrophobia and pharyngeal spasms after being bitten by a stray dog. Which diagnostic finding is most specific for this disease?

Accepted Answer

Presence of Negri bodies in brain tissue

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which Listeria monocytogenes spreads from cell to cell?

Accepted Answer

It uses actin tails to propel itself into adjacent cells.

Question 9

Which of the following is a major difference between viral and bacterial meningitis in terms of CSF analysis?

Accepted Answer

Viral meningitis shows no bacterial growth and normal CSF glucose levels.

Question 10

A 65-year-old immunocompromised patient develops meningitis after eating unpasteurized cheese. Which pathogen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Listeria monocytogenes

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why humans are considered 'dead-end hosts' for West Nile virus?

Accepted Answer

Humans do not produce enough virus in the blood to transmit it to mosquitoes.

Question 12

Which of the following is a key feature of the oral polio vaccine (OPV) compared to the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)?

Accepted Answer

OPV is a live, attenuated vaccine that can immunize others through fecal shedding.

Question 13

A patient with bacterial meningitis is found to have a petechial rash that progresses to larger bruise-like lesions. Which pathogen is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Neisseria meningitidis

Question 14

Which of the following is the most common cause of neuroinvasive arboviral disease in the United States?

Accepted Answer

West Nile virus

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of disease for rabies virus?

Accepted Answer

It shuts down normal neuron functioning and induces apoptosis without lysing cells.

Question 16

A 2-year-old unvaccinated child presents with sensitivity to light, vomiting, and subdural empyema. Which pathogen is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of a zoonosis that can cause fatal encephalitis in humans?

Accepted Answer

Rabies virus

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the immune response can be the most damaging aspect of pneumococcal meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Immune cells release oxygen radicals and enzyme-destroying proteins in response to pneumolysin.

Question 19

A pregnant woman contracts Listeria monocytogenes from unwashed vegetables. What is the most serious potential complication for the fetus?

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous abortion or stillbirth

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the meninges?

Accepted Answer

They are three layers of tissue that protect the brain and spinal cord, supply nutrients, and remove waste.

Nervous System Infections: Microbiology and Clinical Principles

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