Mycobacterium Questions and Answers
Already Passed
What is the primary characteristic of Mycobacterium species that distinguishes them from other
bacteria?
✔✔ They have a waxy, lipid-rich cell wall containing mycolic acids, which makes them resistant
to staining and desiccation.
What is the most common disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
✔✔ Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
How is Mycobacterium tuberculosis primarily transmitted?
✔✔ It is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or
sneezes.
What diagnostic test is commonly used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
✔✔ The Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and chest X-rays are commonly used for diagnosing
Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
1
,What are the typical symptoms of tuberculosis?
✔✔ Persistent cough, night sweats, fever, weight loss, and blood in sputum are common
symptoms of tuberculosis.
What role does the acid-fast bacillus (AFB) stain play in diagnosing Mycobacterium infections?
✔✔ The AFB stain is used to identify Mycobacterium species because they retain the stain
despite acid washing, due to their cell wall composition.
What is the significance of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
✔✔ Drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complicate treatment, requiring longer
and more complex therapy regimens.
How do Mycobacterium species survive in harsh environments?
✔✔ Mycobacterium species have a thick, lipid-rich cell wall that protects them from
environmental stressors and enhances their survival in hostile environments.
What is the first-line treatment for tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
✔✔ The first-line treatment typically involves a combination of rifampin, isoniazid,
pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.
2
, How can Mycobacterium leprae be transmitted?
✔✔ Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy, is believed to be transmitted through
respiratory droplets or prolonged skin contact with an infected individual.
What disease is caused by Mycobacterium leprae?
✔✔ Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
What are the primary characteristics of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)?
✔✔ Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) includes several species of Mycobacterium that can
cause infections in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV.
What environmental sources can Mycobacterium avium complex be found in?
✔✔ Mycobacterium avium complex is commonly found in soil, water, and dust, and can cause
infections when inhaled or ingested.
How does the immune system typically respond to Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
✔✔ The immune system responds by forming granulomas, which are clusters of immune cells
that attempt to contain the bacteria.
3
Already Passed
What is the primary characteristic of Mycobacterium species that distinguishes them from other
bacteria?
✔✔ They have a waxy, lipid-rich cell wall containing mycolic acids, which makes them resistant
to staining and desiccation.
What is the most common disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
✔✔ Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
How is Mycobacterium tuberculosis primarily transmitted?
✔✔ It is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or
sneezes.
What diagnostic test is commonly used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
✔✔ The Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and chest X-rays are commonly used for diagnosing
Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
1
,What are the typical symptoms of tuberculosis?
✔✔ Persistent cough, night sweats, fever, weight loss, and blood in sputum are common
symptoms of tuberculosis.
What role does the acid-fast bacillus (AFB) stain play in diagnosing Mycobacterium infections?
✔✔ The AFB stain is used to identify Mycobacterium species because they retain the stain
despite acid washing, due to their cell wall composition.
What is the significance of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
✔✔ Drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complicate treatment, requiring longer
and more complex therapy regimens.
How do Mycobacterium species survive in harsh environments?
✔✔ Mycobacterium species have a thick, lipid-rich cell wall that protects them from
environmental stressors and enhances their survival in hostile environments.
What is the first-line treatment for tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
✔✔ The first-line treatment typically involves a combination of rifampin, isoniazid,
pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.
2
, How can Mycobacterium leprae be transmitted?
✔✔ Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy, is believed to be transmitted through
respiratory droplets or prolonged skin contact with an infected individual.
What disease is caused by Mycobacterium leprae?
✔✔ Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
What are the primary characteristics of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)?
✔✔ Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) includes several species of Mycobacterium that can
cause infections in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV.
What environmental sources can Mycobacterium avium complex be found in?
✔✔ Mycobacterium avium complex is commonly found in soil, water, and dust, and can cause
infections when inhaled or ingested.
How does the immune system typically respond to Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
✔✔ The immune system responds by forming granulomas, which are clusters of immune cells
that attempt to contain the bacteria.
3
