BCSE BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Veterinary Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which antifungal mechanism of action does amphotericin B use to kill fungal cells?

Accepted Answer

Binds ergosterol, forming pores that disrupt membrane integrity

Answer

Amphotericin B binds ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane and creates transmembrane pores, causing lethal leakage of intracellular ions.

Question 2

Dermatophytosis in cats is most commonly caused by which organism?

Accepted Answer

Microsporum canis

Answer

Microsporum canis accounts for approximately 90% of feline dermatophytosis cases and fluoresces apple-green under a Wood's lamp.

Question 3

Which virus causes Marek's disease in poultry and belongs to which family?

Accepted Answer

Gallid herpesvirus 2, family Herpesviridae

Answer

Marek's disease is caused by Gallid herpesvirus 2 (a cell-associated alphaherpesvirus), which induces T-cell lymphomas in susceptible chickens.

Question 4

The zoonotic bacterium Francisella tularensis is most commonly transmitted to humans through which route?

Accepted Answer

Arthropod bites (ticks, deer flies) or contact with infected rabbit tissues

Answer

Tularemia is primarily transmitted via tick or deer fly bites or direct contact with infected lagomorphs, especially rabbits during hunting season.

Question 5

Which serologic test is used as the official screening test for brucellosis in US cattle?

Accepted Answer

Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) or buffered Brucella antigen test

Answer

The buffered Brucella antigen (Rose Bengal plate) test is the official US screening test for bovine brucellosis in the national eradication program.

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