BMS Pathology and Microbiology 5

Question 1

Which protozoan parasite, identified in brain tissue at autopsy, causes ring-enhancing lesions and is common in AIDS patients?

Accepted Answer

Toxoplasma gondii

Answer

T. gondii reactivates in immunocompromised patients (especially CD4 <100), forming multiple ring-enhancing abscesses in the basal ganglia.

Question 2

Spongiosis of the gray matter with astrocytic proliferation (gliosis) found at autopsy is characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Answer

Prion diseases cause spongiform encephalopathy — vacuolization of neuropil creating a sponge-like appearance with reactive gliosis but no inflammation.

Question 3

Which bacterium produces a potent exotoxin causing the 'washerwoman hands' skin appearance seen in cholera victims?

Accepted Answer

Vibrio cholerae

Answer

Cholera toxin activates adenylate cyclase, causing massive secretory diarrhea leading to severe dehydration and the characteristic wrinkled skin of hands and feet.

Question 4

At autopsy, brown induration of the lung suggests chronic pathology associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Left-sided heart failure

Answer

Chronic left heart failure causes repeated pulmonary congestion; hemosiderin-laden macrophages ('heart failure cells') accumulate, producing brown induration.

Question 5

Which universal precaution is most critical when performing autopsies on decedents with known bloodborne pathogen infections?

Accepted Answer

Double gloving with cut-resistant gloves

Answer

Double gloving with cut-resistant inner gloves significantly reduces percutaneous injuries and the risk of HBV, HCV, and HIV transmission during autopsy.

BMS - Bachelor of Mortuary Science Practice Test

BMS - Bachelor of Mortuary Science Practice Test

BMS Pathology and Microbiology 5