Q: Toxin susceptibility testing: Which test historically indicated a patient’s cutaneous susceptibility to streptococcal pyrogenic (erythrogenic) exotoxin associated with scarlet fever?

Introduction / Context: Before modern molecular diagnostics, toxin susceptibility tests were used to infer immunity to specific bacterial exotoxins. For streptococcal scarlet fever, a historical intradermal test assessed host sensitivity to pyrogenic (erythrogenic) exotoxin. Given Data / Assumptions: “Schick test” evaluates diphtheria toxin susceptibility, not streptococcal exotoxin. ASO measures antibodies to streptolysin O, reflecting past infection, not toxin susceptibility. The item labeled “Disk test” refers to the classic “Dick test,” the historical skin test for susceptibility to streptococcal erythrogenic toxin. Concept / Approach: The Dick test involved intradermal injection of diluted streptococcal exotoxin with a control injection on the opposite arm. A local erythematous response indicated susceptibility; absence suggested neutralizing antibodies. Although obsolete, the concept distinguishes between toxin susceptibility testing and antibody titer assays. Step-by-Step Solution: Match each option to the correct organism/toxin context.Recognize Schick = diphtheria, ASO = past strep infection, precipitation test = general immunodiffusion/diverse uses.Identify “Disk/Dick test” as the test for streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin susceptibility.Select “Disk test.” Verification / Alternative check: Medical history texts document the Dick test use when scarlet fever was common. Positive skin reactions correlated with clinical susceptibility. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Schick test is specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae toxin. ASO does not test susceptibility; it detects antibodies post-infection. “Precipitation test” is nonspecific and not the named historical assay for this toxin. Common Pitfalls: Confusing similar-sounding “Schick” and “Dick” tests; remember “Dick” for scarlet fever toxin, “Schick” for diphtheria toxin. Final Answer: Disk test

Q: Differentiating Streptococcus pyogenes (group A): Which single laboratory characteristic best distinguishes S. pyogenes from other beta-haemolytic streptococci on primary isolation?

Introduction / Context: Beta-haemolytic streptococci on blood agar can belong to several Lancefield groups (A, B, C, G). Rapid, inexpensive bench tests help presumptively identify S. pyogenes (group A) in clinical microbiology labs. Given Data / Assumptions: S. pyogenes is classically sensitive to a low-dose bacitracin disk (taxo A). Antibiotic class “sensitivity” (penicillin, erythromycin, aminoglycosides) is not a reliable differential screening tool among streptococci on plates. Definitive identification may use Lancefield grouping or molecular tests; bacitracin remains a classic presumptive screen. Concept / Approach: A simple bacitracin disk placed on a lawn of beta-haemolytic colonies produces a zone of inhibition with S. pyogenes, whereas most other beta-haemolytic groups (e.g., B) are resistant. This is a screening, not confirmatory, test but is widely taught and used. Step-by-Step Solution: Focus on a single, rapid plate-level distinction.Recognize bacitracin sensitivity as the classical feature of group A streptococci.Exclude broad antibiotic sensitivity as it varies and is not specific.Choose “Bacitracin sensitivity.” Verification / Alternative check: PYR positivity and Lancefield group A antigen testing also support identification; however, the question asks for the classical differentiator on haemolytic plates. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Erythromycin, penicillin, and aminoglycoside susceptibility are therapeutic concerns, not diagnostic differentiators in this context. Common Pitfalls: Over-reliance on bacitracin alone; always corroborate with antigen detection or molecular methods, especially where non-pyogenes strains may show atypical results. Final Answer: Bacitracin sensitivity

Q: Selective media knowledge: Crystal violet blood agar is selective for which organism group by suppressing competing gram-positive flora such as staphylococci?

Introduction / Context: Selective and differential media streamline recovery of pathogens from mixed clinical specimens. Crystal violet blood agar incorporates crystal violet to inhibit certain gram-positive cocci while allowing growth of targeted streptococci with visible haemolysis. Given Data / Assumptions: Crystal violet suppresses staphylococci and some other gram-positive flora. β-haemolytic streptococci (e.g., S. pyogenes) are intended targets to recover from throat swabs. Corynebacterium and mycobacteria require specialized media (e.g., Loeffler’s, Lowenstein-Jensen) rather than crystal violet blood agar. Concept / Approach: By inhibiting overgrowing competitors, the medium enhances detection of beta-haemolysis and facilitates selection of suspect streptococcal colonies for further testing (e.g., bacitracin, PYR, antigen detection). Step-by-Step Solution: Identify which organisms the crystal violet component inhibits (not the intended target).Connect the use case (throat cultures) to β-haemolytic streptococci.Exclude organisms requiring other specialized media.Select β-haemolytic streptococci. Verification / Alternative check: Laboratory manuals list crystal violet or colistin-nalidixic acid supplements to reduce staphylococcal overgrowth, improving isolation of group A strep. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Staphylococcus aureus is inhibited rather than selected. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is better supported on tellurite media or Loeffler’s serum slope. Mycobacterium tuberculosis requires egg-based or agar-based selective media and prolonged incubation. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “selective” with “differential”; while haemolysis is differential, crystal violet provides the selective component against competitors. Final Answer: β-haemolytic streptococci

Question 1

Serology of primary atypical pneumonia Individuals with primary atypical pneumonia characteristically develop agglutinins against which historical test organism/antigen?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Primary atypical pneumonia (often due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae) is associated with serologic phenomena including cold agglutinins and historical agglutination against “Streptococcus MG.” Recognizing these associations aids exam recall and historical perspective on diagnostics. Given Data / Assumptions: Question refers to classic agglutinin responses in atypical pneumonia. Options list several streptococcal species; only one is associated with the eponymous test. Concept / Approach: Patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection may produce cold-reactive IgM that agglutinates human type O erythrocytes and historically agglutinated the “Streptococcus MG” strain. Although modern diagnostics use PCR/ELISA, this eponym persists in test banks. Step-by-Step Solution: Link primary atypical pneumonia to Mycoplasma pneumoniae.Recall associated serologic marker: agglutinins to Streptococcus MG.Select “Streptococcus MG.” Verification / Alternative check: Cold agglutinin titers rise in early Mycoplasma infections; older literature and classical exam items pair this with Streptococcus MG agglutination. Why Other Options Are Wrong: S. avium, S. mutans, E. faecalis: not linked to atypical pneumonia agglutinin tests. Mycobacterium bovis: unrelated to atypical pneumonia serology. Common Pitfalls: Confusing cold agglutination of human RBCs with bacterial agglutination; exam items may reference either. Final Answer: Streptococcus MG

Question 2

Post-streptococcal autoimmunity – cross-reactive targets Antibodies to the cell wall carbohydrate of Streptococcus pyogenes demonstrate molecular mimicry and may cross-react with which human tissue?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Molecular mimicry after group A streptococcal infection underlies non-suppurative sequelae. Distinct streptococcal antigens cross-react with human tissues, driving rheumatic carditis and other complications. Given Data / Assumptions: Focus is specifically on antibodies to cell wall carbohydrate (group-specific polysaccharide), not M protein. Target tissues listed include cardiac structures and others. Concept / Approach: While M protein cross-reacts notably with myocardium and sarcolemmal antigens, antibodies to group A carbohydrate have been implicated in valvular damage by binding to glycoprotein epitopes in cardiac valves, contributing to rheumatic valvulitis. Step-by-Step Solution: Differentiate antigen types: M protein vs. cell wall carbohydrate.Associate carbohydrate-directed cross-reactivity with valvular glycoproteins.Select “Cardiac valves.” Verification / Alternative check: Histopathology of rheumatic heart disease shows valvulitis with immune deposition; immunologic studies demonstrate cross-reactive antibodies to valve tissue glycoproteins after streptococcal infection. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Myocardium: classically linked to anti-M protein rather than carbohydrate epitopes. Synovial fluid/Vascular intima/Renal tubules: not primary targets of the carbohydrate mimicry described here. Common Pitfalls: Conflating M protein cross-reactivity (myocardium) with group carbohydrate (valves). Final Answer: Cardiac valves

Question 3

Etiology – bacterial “sore throat” Which specific pathogen is the classic cause of bacterial sore throat (acute streptococcal pharyngitis)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Identifying the classic etiologic agent of acute bacterial pharyngitis guides penicillin therapy and prevention of immune-mediated sequelae. The prototypical organism is group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus. Given Data / Assumptions: Multiple respiratory pathogens are listed, but only one is the classic agent for “strep throat.” Concept / Approach: Streptococcus pyogenes expresses adhesins and exotoxins that inflame the pharynx and tonsils. Untreated infections may lead to rheumatic fever or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, so accurate recognition is important. Step-by-Step Solution: Consider common causes: viruses predominate, but among bacteria, GAS is classic.Match to option “Streptococcus pyogenes.”Select it as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Rapid antigen detection tests and throat culture protocols specifically target group A streptococci, reflecting their clinical importance. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Staphylococcus aureus: less typical primary pharyngeal pathogen. Haemophilus spp., Moraxella: more associated with otitis/sinusitis or COPD exacerbations. Mycoplasma pneumoniae: atypical pneumonia; can cause pharyngitis but not the classic “strep throat.” Common Pitfalls: Treating viral pharyngitis as bacterial; clinical scoring and testing help differentiate. Final Answer: Streptococcus pyogenes

Question 4

Streptolysin O – key properties Which statement best summarizes the properties of streptolysin O produced by Streptococcus pyogenes?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Streptolysin O (SLO) is a cholesterol-binding cytolysin of Streptococcus pyogenes. Understanding its biochemical features explains lab tests (ASO titer) and clinical effects on tissues. Given Data / Assumptions: We assess antigenicity and lability characteristics. SLO is distinct from streptolysin S (SLS), which is oxygen-stable and non-antigenic. Concept / Approach: SLO is oxygen-labile and inactivated by heat; it is antigenic, eliciting anti-streptolysin O (ASO) antibodies measurable in post-streptococcal sequelae. Together, these properties distinguish it from SLS. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall that SLO is oxygen-labile and heat-labile.Recognize antigenicity leading to ASO testing.Therefore select “All of these.” Verification / Alternative check: Elevated ASO titers support recent GAS infection in rheumatic fever workups, confirming SLO antigenicity. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Any single property alone is incomplete; SLO has all listed features. “None” contradicts established biochemistry. Common Pitfalls: Confusing SLO with SLS; only SLO is strongly antigenic and oxygen-labile. Final Answer: All of these

Question 5

Autoimmunity after streptococcal infection – tissue cross-reactivity Cell wall protein (M protein) of Streptococcus pyogenes exhibits antigenic mimicry and can cross-react primarily with which human tissue?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Post-streptococcal autoimmune complications result from molecular mimicry. M protein, a major virulence factor of S. pyogenes, is central to rheumatic carditis through cross-reactivity with cardiac tissues. Given Data / Assumptions: Focus here is specifically on protein (M protein) cross-reactivity, not group carbohydrate. Potential target tissues include myocardium and valves. Concept / Approach: Antibodies to M protein cross-react with myocardial tissue and sarcolemmal antigens, contributing to pancarditis. Although valvular damage is prominent clinically, the classic exam pairing for M protein is myocardium; carbohydrate antigens are often linked to valvular reactivity. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the streptococcal antigen: M protein.Recall mimicry with myocardial antigens.Choose “Myocardium.” Verification / Alternative check: Immunohistochemical studies demonstrate anti-M protein antibodies binding to heart muscle fibers; animal models reproduce myocarditis after immunization with M protein fragments. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Cardiac valves: frequently affected clinically but more strongly associated in exams with group carbohydrate mimicry. Synovial fluid/Vascular intima/Hepatic tissues: not primary targets of M protein cross-reactivity. Common Pitfalls: Conflating different streptococcal antigens and their human targets; exam questions often split protein vs. carbohydrate. Final Answer: Myocardium

Question 6

Non-suppurative complications of Streptococcus pyogenes infection Which of the following conditions are recognized non-suppurative sequelae associated with prior group A streptococcal infection?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Non-suppurative (immune-mediated) sequelae follow Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngeal or skin infections and are central to preventive strategies and diagnostic workups. Given Data / Assumptions: Options list three classic post-infectious syndromes linked to streptococcal disease. We must determine whether all are recognized associations. Concept / Approach: Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) follows untreated streptococcal pharyngitis and involves molecular mimicry leading to carditis, arthritis, and chorea. Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) follows skin or throat infections due to immune complex deposition in glomeruli. Erythema nodosum can occur after streptococcal infection as a hypersensitivity reaction presenting with tender subcutaneous nodules. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify ARF as a classic post-strep syndrome.Identify APSGN as another classic non-suppurative sequela.Recognize erythema nodosum as a recognized post-streptococcal hypersensitivity manifestation.Conclude “All of these.” Verification / Alternative check: Clinical guidelines emphasize antibiotic treatment of strep pharyngitis to prevent ARF; nephritic syndrome after impetigo/pharyngitis is well documented; erythema nodosum lists recent streptococcal infection among common triggers. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Any single choice underestimates the spectrum of post-streptococcal complications. “None” contradicts established clinical entities. Common Pitfalls: Assuming only ARF or only APSGN qualify; multiple immune-mediated outcomes exist after GAS infection. Final Answer: All of these

Question 7

Clinical serology for streptococcal disease: Which of the following laboratory tests can be used to establish a retrospective diagnosis of a recent Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcal) infection, by detecting the host’s antibody response a…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Post-streptococcal sequelae such as acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis often present weeks after the throat or skin infection has resolved. Because the organism may no longer be recoverable by culture, clinicians rely on serologic tests that demonstrate a recent immune response to Streptococcus pyogenes antigens. Given Data / Assumptions: The question asks which tests establish retrospective (post-infection) diagnosis. Anti-DNase B, ASO (anti-streptolysin O), and Streptozyme are common serologic assays for group A streptococcal exposure. These tests measure antibodies, not the organism itself. Concept / Approach: Retrospective diagnosis requires evidence of a preceding infection. Antibody titers against secreted streptococcal enzymes rise 1–3 weeks after infection. Anti-DNase B is especially helpful after skin infection; ASO is classically elevated after pharyngitis; the Streptozyme slide test screens for multiple antistreptococcal antibodies. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify tests that detect antistreptococcal antibodies rather than the pathogen.Note that Anti-DNase B, ASO, and Streptozyme each fulfill this role in different clinical contexts.Since all three are valid for retrospective evidence of infection, choose the most comprehensive option.Therefore, select “All of these.” Verification / Alternative check: Typical patterns: ASO rises after throat infections; Anti-DNase B is useful after impetigo; Streptozyme provides a rapid qualitative screen. Rising titers or a high single titer in the appropriate time window supports recent infection. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Anti-DNase B alone is correct but incomplete compared with using multiple assays. ASO alone misses some skin infections where ASO responses may be muted. Streptozyme alone is a screen and may need confirmation; relying on one test is less comprehensive than selecting all applicable tests. Common Pitfalls: Equating throat culture positivity with retrospective proof; cultures reflect current carriage, not past infection. Also, interpreting a single borderline titer without clinical correlation or paired sera can mislead. Final Answer: All of these

Question 8

Oral microbiology — dental caries etiology: Which bacteria are most strongly implicated in initiating dental caries in humans based on plaque ecology and acidogenic potential?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease driven by microbial metabolism of dietary carbohydrates, acid production, and demineralization of enamel and dentin. Certain streptococci are classically associated with caries initiation, particularly in fissures and smooth surfaces. Given Data / Assumptions: Streptococcus mutans (mutans group) is highly acidogenic and aciduric. Streptococcus sanguis (now S. sanguinis) participates in plaque development and can contribute to caries ecology. Streptococcus pyogenes is a group A streptococcus associated with pharyngitis and skin infections, not caries. Concept / Approach: Caries initiation correlates with organisms that adhere to enamel, synthesize extracellular glucans from sucrose (via glucosyltransferases), and maintain metabolism at low pH. S. mutans is the prime initiator; S. sanguis contributes to plaque and early colonization that can support cariogenic communities. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify well-established cariogenic species: S. mutans.Acknowledge plaque formers like S. sanguis that assist colonization and may appear in carious lesions.Exclude S. pyogenes because it is not a dental caries pathogen.Select the inclusive option listing both relevant species. Verification / Alternative check: Experimental models show S. mutans produces lactic acid and thrives at pH < 5.5, promoting demineralization; epidemiologic studies correlate S. mutans/S. sanguinis ratios with caries risk. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Choosing only S. mutans ignores contributions from other plaque streptococci. Choosing only S. sanguis omits the principal cariogenic species. S. pyogenes is unrelated to caries pathogenesis. Common Pitfalls: Assuming one pathogen is solely responsible. Caries reflects a dysbiotic biofilm where multiple species interact under dietary sugar pressure. Final Answer: Both (a) and (b)

Question 9

Toxin susceptibility testing: Which test historically indicated a patient’s cutaneous susceptibility to streptococcal pyrogenic (erythrogenic) exotoxin associated with scarlet fever?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Before modern molecular diagnostics, toxin susceptibility tests were used to infer immunity to specific bacterial exotoxins. For streptococcal scarlet fever, a historical intradermal test assessed host sensitivity to pyrogenic (erythrogenic) exotoxin. Given Data / Assumptions: “Schick test” evaluates diphtheria toxin susceptibility, not streptococcal exotoxin. ASO measures antibodies to streptolysin O, reflecting past infection, not toxin susceptibility. The item labeled “Disk test” refers to the classic “Dick test,” the historical skin test for susceptibility to streptococcal erythrogenic toxin. Concept / Approach: The Dick test involved intradermal injection of diluted streptococcal exotoxin with a control injection on the opposite arm. A local erythematous response indicated susceptibility; absence suggested neutralizing antibodies. Although obsolete, the concept distinguishes between toxin susceptibility testing and antibody titer assays. Step-by-Step Solution: Match each option to the correct organism/toxin context.Recognize Schick = diphtheria, ASO = past strep infection, precipitation test = general immunodiffusion/diverse uses.Identify “Disk/Dick test” as the test for streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin susceptibility.Select “Disk test.” Verification / Alternative check: Medical history texts document the Dick test use when scarlet fever was common. Positive skin reactions correlated with clinical susceptibility. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Schick test is specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae toxin. ASO does not test susceptibility; it detects antibodies post-infection. “Precipitation test” is nonspecific and not the named historical assay for this toxin. Common Pitfalls: Confusing similar-sounding “Schick” and “Dick” tests; remember “Dick” for scarlet fever toxin, “Schick” for diphtheria toxin. Final Answer: Disk test

Question 10

Differentiating Streptococcus pyogenes (group A): Which single laboratory characteristic best distinguishes S. pyogenes from other beta-haemolytic streptococci on primary isolation?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Beta-haemolytic streptococci on blood agar can belong to several Lancefield groups (A, B, C, G). Rapid, inexpensive bench tests help presumptively identify S. pyogenes (group A) in clinical microbiology labs. Given Data / Assumptions: S. pyogenes is classically sensitive to a low-dose bacitracin disk (taxo A). Antibiotic class “sensitivity” (penicillin, erythromycin, aminoglycosides) is not a reliable differential screening tool among streptococci on plates. Definitive identification may use Lancefield grouping or molecular tests; bacitracin remains a classic presumptive screen. Concept / Approach: A simple bacitracin disk placed on a lawn of beta-haemolytic colonies produces a zone of inhibition with S. pyogenes, whereas most other beta-haemolytic groups (e.g., B) are resistant. This is a screening, not confirmatory, test but is widely taught and used. Step-by-Step Solution: Focus on a single, rapid plate-level distinction.Recognize bacitracin sensitivity as the classical feature of group A streptococci.Exclude broad antibiotic sensitivity as it varies and is not specific.Choose “Bacitracin sensitivity.” Verification / Alternative check: PYR positivity and Lancefield group A antigen testing also support identification; however, the question asks for the classical differentiator on haemolytic plates. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Erythromycin, penicillin, and aminoglycoside susceptibility are therapeutic concerns, not diagnostic differentiators in this context. Common Pitfalls: Over-reliance on bacitracin alone; always corroborate with antigen detection or molecular methods, especially where non-pyogenes strains may show atypical results. Final Answer: Bacitracin sensitivity

Question 11

Selective media knowledge: Crystal violet blood agar is selective for which organism group by suppressing competing gram-positive flora such as staphylococci?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Selective and differential media streamline recovery of pathogens from mixed clinical specimens. Crystal violet blood agar incorporates crystal violet to inhibit certain gram-positive cocci while allowing growth of targeted streptococci with visible haemolysis. Given Data / Assumptions: Crystal violet suppresses staphylococci and some other gram-positive flora. β-haemolytic streptococci (e.g., S. pyogenes) are intended targets to recover from throat swabs. Corynebacterium and mycobacteria require specialized media (e.g., Loeffler’s, Lowenstein-Jensen) rather than crystal violet blood agar. Concept / Approach: By inhibiting overgrowing competitors, the medium enhances detection of beta-haemolysis and facilitates selection of suspect streptococcal colonies for further testing (e.g., bacitracin, PYR, antigen detection). Step-by-Step Solution: Identify which organisms the crystal violet component inhibits (not the intended target).Connect the use case (throat cultures) to β-haemolytic streptococci.Exclude organisms requiring other specialized media.Select β-haemolytic streptococci. Verification / Alternative check: Laboratory manuals list crystal violet or colistin-nalidixic acid supplements to reduce staphylococcal overgrowth, improving isolation of group A strep. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Staphylococcus aureus is inhibited rather than selected. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is better supported on tellurite media or Loeffler’s serum slope. Mycobacterium tuberculosis requires egg-based or agar-based selective media and prolonged incubation. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “selective” with “differential”; while haemolysis is differential, crystal violet provides the selective component against competitors. Final Answer: β-haemolytic streptococci

Streptococcus Questions