Pharm.D. Doctor of Pharmacy Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 2

Question 1

What is the primary molecular mechanism of methicillin resistance in MRSA?

Accepted Answer

Acquisition of mecA gene encoding altered PBP2a

Answer

Constitutive beta-lactamase overproduction

Answer

Efflux pump overexpression reducing intracellular drug concentration

Answer

Reduced outer membrane permeability to beta-lactams

Question 2

Which antibiotic is the preferred treatment for infections caused by KPC-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)?

Accepted Answer

Ceftazidime-avibactam

Answer

Meropenem + colistin

Answer

Piperacillin-tazobactam

Answer

Tigecycline monotherapy

Question 3

What is the recommended first-line regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication in regions with low clarithromycin resistance (below 15%)?

Accepted Answer

PPI + amoxicillin + clarithromycin for 14 days

Answer

H2 blocker + metronidazole + tetracycline for 7 days

Answer

PPI + vancomycin + azithromycin for 10 days

Answer

Bismuth + ciprofloxacin + metronidazole for 14 days

Question 4

Which antiviral neuraminidase inhibitor is approved for treatment of both influenza A and B when initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset?

Accepted Answer

Oseltamivir

Answer

Acyclovir

Answer

Ribavirin

Answer

Amantadine

Question 5

What is the drug of choice for both prophylaxis and treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-infected patients with CD4 count below 200 cells/μL?

Accepted Answer

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)

Answer

Fluconazole

Answer

IV pentamidine

Answer

Atovaquone

Question 6

Which lipoglycopeptide antibiotic has a half-life of approximately 8.5 days, enabling a single-dose or two-dose treatment course for acute bacterial skin infections?

Accepted Answer

Dalbavancin

Answer

Vancomycin

Answer

Telavancin

Answer

Daptomycin

Question 7

Which isolation precaution category is required for a patient admitted with confirmed active pulmonary tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Airborne precautions with negative pressure room and N95 respirator

Answer

Contact precautions with gown and gloves

Answer

Droplet precautions with surgical mask

Answer

Standard precautions only