Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of lymph nodes in the lymphatic system?

Accepted Answer

They filter lymph and house immune cells such as fixed macrophages, B cells, and T cells.

Question 2

A patient presents with red streaks under the skin extending from a wound. Which condition is most likely indicated by this sign?

Accepted Answer

Lymphangitis

Question 3

Which of the following bacteria is most commonly associated with neonatal sepsis in hospital settings?

Accepted Answer

Group B Streptococcus (S. agalactiae)

Question 4

A hunter develops an ulcer at the site of a rabbit bite, followed by swollen lymph nodes. Which organism is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Francisella tularensis

Question 5

Which of the following statements about Gram-negative sepsis is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic treatment can sometimes worsen the condition due to endotoxin release.

Question 6

A 27-year-old woman dies rapidly after a fever and cough. Blood cultures reveal catalase-negative, gram-positive cocci. Which infection is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus pyogenes sepsis

Question 7

Which of the following is a major complication of rheumatic fever?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune damage to heart valves

Question 8

A patient with a history of diabetes develops black, necrotic tissue on the foot after an injury. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Clostridium perfringens

Question 9

Which of the following is the most effective initial treatment for gas gangrene?

Accepted Answer

Debridement and/or hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Question 10

A child develops a papule and swollen lymph nodes after being scratched by a cat. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Bartonella henselae

Question 11

Which of the following is the causative agent of plague, and what is its primary vector?

Accepted Answer

Yersinia pestis; Xenopsylla cheopis (flea)

Question 12

A patient presents with a bull’s-eye rash and flu-like symptoms after hiking in Connecticut. Which disease is most likely, and what is the vector?

Accepted Answer

Lyme disease; Ixodes scapularis tick

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why vaccination against malaria is difficult?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium species rapidly mutate, altering surface antigens.

Question 14

A soldier returning from Iraq has three painless skin ulcers and reports nightly insect bites. Ovoid protozoa are found in macrophages. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Leishmaniasis

Question 15

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of Rocky Mountain spotted fever compared to measles?

Accepted Answer

Rash appears on palms and soles

Question 16

Which of the following is the most common childhood cancer in Africa and is associated with Epstein-Barr virus?

Accepted Answer

Burkitt’s lymphoma

Question 17

A newborn is diagnosed with hearing loss and mental retardation. The mother had a mild case of mononucleosis during pregnancy. Which virus is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Cytomegalovirus (HHV-5)

Question 18

A 20-year-old woman develops a rash and severe joint pain after visiting Key West and being bitten by mosquitoes. IgM antibodies for dengue are detected. What does the presence of IgM antibodies indicate?

Accepted Answer

Recent or current infection

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the pathogenesis of Brucellosis (Undulant Fever)?

Accepted Answer

Organisms enter through skin or mucous membranes, are ingested by fixed macrophages, move via lymphatics to lymph nodes, then to liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

Question 20

Which of the following is the definitive host for Plasmodium species causing malaria?

Accepted Answer

Female Anopheles mosquito

Microbial Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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