AP-Micro Microbiology: Mycology and Parasitology 3

Question 1

Cryptococcus neoformans is distinguished from other pathogenic fungi by its:

Accepted Answer

Large polysaccharide capsule visible with India ink stain

Answer

The large polysaccharide capsule of C. neoformans is its hallmark virulence factor and is visualized as a clear halo around cells using India ink staining of CSF.

Question 2

Which parasite is transmitted by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium vivax

Answer

All four Plasmodium species causing human malaria are transmitted exclusively by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Question 3

Coccidioidomycosis is endemic to which geographic region of the United States?

Accepted Answer

Southwestern deserts (San Joaquin Valley)

Answer

Coccidioides immitis thrives in the hot, dry soils of the Southwestern US (especially California's San Joaquin Valley and Arizona), where its arthroconidia become airborne.

Question 4

Giardia lamblia trophozoites are characteristically distinguished by their:

Accepted Answer

Two nuclei and ventral adhesive disc

Answer

Giardia trophozoites have two nuclei giving a 'face-like' appearance and a ventral sucking disc used to adhere to intestinal epithelium.

Question 5

The primary antifungal mechanism of amphotericin B is:

Accepted Answer

Binding to ergosterol and forming pores in the fungal membrane

Answer

Amphotericin B binds directly to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, forming channels that cause potassium leakage and cell death.

AP Practice Test

AP Practice Test

AP-Micro Microbiology: Mycology and Parasitology 3