BCSE BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Veterinary Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Questions and Answers 4

Question 1

Which fungal organism is the causative agent of blastomycosis in dogs and is endemic to the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys?

Accepted Answer

Blastomyces dermatitidis

Answer

Blastomyces dermatitidis is the dimorphic fungus causing blastomycosis, endemic to river valleys of the central and eastern United States.

Question 2

A horse presents with mucopurulent nasal discharge and submandibular lymphadenopathy. Culture yields a beta-hemolytic Streptococcus with a Lancefield group C antigen. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Strangles caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi

Answer

Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (group C Streptococcus) is the obligate pathogen causing classic strangles with abscessation of submandibular lymph nodes in horses.

Question 3

Which of the following viruses uses reverse transcriptase and integrates a DNA provirus into the host genome, causing immunodeficiency in cats?

Accepted Answer

Feline immunodeficiency virus

Answer

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus (retrovirus) that uses reverse transcriptase and integrates as a provirus, causing progressive CD4+ T-cell depletion.

Question 4

Sarcocystis neurona is the primary causative agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). What is the definitive host of this organism?

Accepted Answer

Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

Answer

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the definitive host of Sarcocystis neurona, shedding sporocysts in its feces that contaminate horse feed and water.

Question 5

A cow is found dead with a bloated carcass that rapidly decomposes. Impression smears reveal large, boxcar-shaped Gram-positive rods. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus anthracis

Answer

Bacillus anthracis produces large, boxcar-shaped, non-hemolytic Gram-positive rods with a distinctive square-ended appearance and causes rapid death and bloating in ruminants.

BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Practice Test

BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Practice Test

BCSE BCSE - Basic and Clinical Sciences Examination Veterinary Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Questions and Answers 4