Question 1

Which clinical conditions can be caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Plesiomonas shigelloides is an oxidase-positive, gram-negative rod associated primarily with water exposure and seafood. It is best known for gastroenteritis but can cause extraintestinal disease. Given Data / Assumptions: We must consider both intestinal and extraintestinal presentations. At-risk groups include those with liver disease or immunocompromise. Concept / Approach: While self-limited diarrhea is common, invasive infections like septicaemia and soft tissue infections (including cellulitis following wound exposure to water) are documented, especially in vulnerable hosts. Step-by-Step Solution: Acknowledge classic association: gastroenteritis after contaminated water/seafood. Recognize invasive potential: bloodstream infection in susceptible patients. Include soft tissue infection: cellulitis following aquatic trauma. Verification / Alternative check: Case reports and reviews describe GI disease plus extraintestinal infections including cellulitis and bacteremia. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each single entity alone: Too narrow; Plesiomonas causes multiple syndromes. Urinary tract infection only: Not the typical or exclusive manifestation. Common Pitfalls: Assuming it is only an enteric pathogen; overlooking water-related wound infections in history taking. Final Answer: All of these (gastroenteritis, septicaemia, cellulitis) can be caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides.

Question 2

In Vibrio cholerae, the genes encoding cholera toxin are carried on which genetic element?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Cholera toxin (CTX) is the major virulence factor of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae, responsible for secretory diarrhea via increased cyclic AMP in enterocytes. Given Data / Assumptions: We identify the genetic element that carries ctxA/ctxB genes. Concept / Approach: The ctxAB genes are encoded by a lysogenic filamentous bacteriophage known as CTXφ, which integrates into the V. cholerae chromosome but is phage-derived in origin. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall virulence regulation in V. cholerae. Recognize CTXφ as the carrier of ctxAB. Select the option indicating a bacteriophage. Verification / Alternative check: Molecular studies show phage-mediated horizontal transfer of ctx genes among vibrios. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Plasmid / Transposon: Not the primary vehicle for ctxAB in V. cholerae. Chromosome (native genes): Although integrated, the origin is phage, not native chromosomal coding. Mitochondrial-like element: Bacteria lack mitochondria. Common Pitfalls: Confusing integration site (chromosome) with the genetic origin (phage). Final Answer: Cholera toxin genes are carried by a bacteriophage (CTXφ).

Question 3

Microbiology – Toxin Similarity: Which bacterial toxin most closely resembles cholera toxin in structure and mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Cholera toxin is a classical AB5 enterotoxin that activates adenylate cyclase via Gs alpha ADP-ribosylation, driving persistent elevation of intracellular cAMP and secretory diarrhea. This question tests recognition of which other bacterial toxin shares the closest structural class and mechanism with cholera toxin. Given Data / Assumptions: Cholera toxin: AB5 architecture, enzymatic A subunit with ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. Primary effect: sustained rise in cAMP in enterocytes leading to chloride and water secretion. Need to identify a toxin with similar structure–function features. Concept / Approach: The key discriminator is whether the candidate toxin is an AB5 enterotoxin that ADP-ribosylates Gs alpha to increase cAMP. Toxins using different targets (e.g., EF-2, synaptic proteins) or second messengers (cGMP) do not truly “resemble” cholera toxin mechanistically. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall cholera toxin mechanism: ADP-ribosylates Gs alpha.Step 2: Identify E. coli LT: It is also an AB5 enterotoxin with the same catalytic activity on Gs alpha.Step 3: Compare alternatives: ST increases cGMP via guanylate cyclase; diphtheria toxin inactivates EF-2; tetanus toxin blocks inhibitory neurotransmitter release; Shiga toxin inactivates 60S ribosomal subunit by depurination.Step 4: Conclude that the closest resemblance is E. coli LT. Verification / Alternative check: Both cholera toxin and E. coli LT elevate cAMP and produce watery “secretory” diarrhea. Both are plasmid/phage-encoded AB5 proteins with GM1 ganglioside binding by the B pentamer and A1 enzymatic subfragments with ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Heat-stable (ST) enterotoxin: stimulates guanylate cyclase; raises cGMP, not cAMP. Diphtheria toxin: halts protein synthesis by ADP-ribosylating EF-2; not an enterotoxin. Tetanus neurotoxin: zinc endopeptidase blocking neurotransmitter release; neural, not intestinal. Shiga toxin: N-glycosidase that inactivates 28S rRNA; causes dysentery, HUS. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “heat-labile” (LT) with “heat-stable” (ST) due to naming; assuming all E. coli toxins mirror cholera toxin; overlooking the cAMP vs cGMP distinction. Final Answer: Heat-labile (LT) enterotoxin of Escherichia coli.

Question 4

Vibrio cholerae in India – Biotypes: Which biotypes have been historically prevalent in the Indian subcontinent?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, exists in distinct biotypes—Classical and El Tor—within the O1 serogroup. This question checks awareness of the biotypes that have been historically prevalent in India and the surrounding region, including their epidemiologic significance. Given Data / Assumptions: India has experienced multiple cholera pandemics and endemic transmission. Classical and El Tor are biotypes of V. cholerae O1, differing in phenotypic tests and epidemiology. Historical prevalence is being asked, not exclusive current dominance. Concept / Approach: Differentiate between historical prevalence versus present predominance. The Classical biotype drove earlier pandemics, while El Tor emerged, spread widely, and became predominant in later decades, but both have had a presence in India over time. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recognize Classical biotype caused earlier pandemic waves affecting India.Step 2: Recognize El Tor biotype became widespread during the seventh pandemic and remains dominant.Step 3: Since the stem asks about prevalence in India across time, include both. Verification / Alternative check: Classical biotype outbreaks are well documented historically in the Indian subcontinent; since the mid-20th century, El Tor displaced Classical in most regions but historical records confirm both biotypes have circulated in India. Why Other Options Are Wrong: El Tor only: ignores historical Classical circulation. Classical only: ignores the widespread dominance of El Tor in later periods. Neither: incorrect—India is a well-known endemic region. Non-O1/non-O139 only: these can cause sporadic disease but are not the primary biotypes in question. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “currently predominant” with “historically prevalent”; assuming one biotype excludes the other over long time scales. Final Answer: Both Classical and El Tor biotypes.

Question 5

Classical vs El Tor – Differentiation Tests for Vibrio cholerae biotypes (select the correct composite answer)

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Biotyping of Vibrio cholerae O1 into Classical and El Tor relies on a set of phenotypic tests. This question probes knowledge of the standard differentiators used in diagnostic microbiology labs. Given Data / Assumptions: Mukerjee's group IV phage lysis pattern differs between biotypes. El Tor typically agglutinates fowl red blood cells. Sensitivity to polymyxin B varies (Classical usually more sensitive). Concept / Approach: Understand that no single test fully defines the biotype; a panel of reactions provides reliable discrimination between Classical and El Tor strains. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Classical strains are generally sensitive to Mukerjee group IV phage; El Tor strains resist.Step 2: Remember that El Tor strains agglutinate fowl RBCs due to hemagglutinin activity; Classical do not.Step 3: Note that Classical strains are more sensitive to polymyxin B than El Tor.Step 4: Therefore, all listed tests are useful in differentiation. Verification / Alternative check: Classical teaching and laboratory manuals list these three markers, often together with others (e.g., chicken cell agglutination, Voges–Proskauer positivity for El Tor, and hemolysis on sheep RBCs) as a composite profile to distinguish biotypes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Single-test options (A, B, C) are partially true but incomplete; the correct composite includes all. None of the above: contradicted by routine biotyping practice. Common Pitfalls: Relying on one marker only; misremembering which biotype shows fowl RBC agglutination (El Tor positive). Final Answer: All of the above.

Question 6

Identify halophilic vibrios: Which of the following are salt-loving (halophilic) Vibrio species linked to marine environments?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Several Vibrio species are halophilic, requiring or preferring elevated salt concentrations and associating with marine waters and seafood. Recognizing these species is important for clinical suspicion and infection control in coastal regions. Given Data / Assumptions: V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. alginolyticus are commonly isolated from seawater, shellfish, and fish. Halophilism implies growth enhanced by NaCl. Marine exposure and seafood consumption are major risk factors. Concept / Approach: Classify vibrios by salt tolerance and typical ecology. The three listed species are textbook examples of halophilic vibrios tied to marine habitats and seafood-related disease. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that V. parahaemolyticus is a classic halophilic cause of gastroenteritis from undercooked seafood.Step 2: V. vulnificus thrives in warm brackish/seawater; causes wound infections and septicemia after raw oyster ingestion.Step 3: V. alginolyticus is halophilic and often implicated in ear and wound infections after marine exposure.Step 4: Therefore, all listed species are halophiles. Verification / Alternative check: Standard media and laboratory guides describe enhanced growth of these vibrios with added NaCl and their isolation from marine environments, corroborating their halophilic nature. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Individual species (A, B, C) are each correct alone but the most complete answer is all. None: contradicts well-established ecology of these organisms. Common Pitfalls: Confusing halophilic vibrios with V. cholerae O1/O139, which are not strictly halophilic and can grow without added salt. Final Answer: All of these are halophilic vibrios.

Question 7

Selective–differential media: Which medium best differentiates colonies of Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in routine lab practice?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Distinguishing Vibrio cholerae from Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a core diagnostic task. The proper choice of selective–differential medium allows rapid presumptive identification by colony color and sugar fermentation characteristics. Given Data / Assumptions: TCBS agar contains sucrose and indicators that differentiate sucrose fermenters from nonfermenters. V. cholerae ferments sucrose (yellow colonies), while V. parahaemolyticus typically does not (green colonies). Other listed media are not as specifically differentiating. Concept / Approach: Use the medium whose formulation is designed to separate Vibrio species by sucrose fermentation and bile tolerance. TCBS is the classic medium for this purpose in clinical microbiology. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the color reactions on TCBS: yellow for sucrose fermenters, green for nonfermenters.Step 2: Map species to reactions: V. cholerae → yellow; V. parahaemolyticus → green.Step 3: Note that alkaline bile salt agar is mainly enrichment/selective, not strongly differential for these two.Step 4: MacConkey targets lactose fermentation among Enterobacterales; Vibrio differentiation is limited.Step 5: Therefore, TCBS is best. Verification / Alternative check: Standard lab manuals and exam guides consistently teach TCBS agar for isolating and differentiating Vibrio species, especially V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus by colony color. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Alkaline bile salt agar: useful enrichment but not reliably differential by colony color for these species. MacConkey agar: poor differentiation of Vibrio species and may inhibit some vibrios. All of the above: incorrect because the differential power is not equal. BCYE: for Legionella, not Vibrio. Common Pitfalls: Confusing lactose-based differentiation (MacConkey) with sucrose-based differentiation (TCBS). Final Answer: Thiosulfate–citrate–bile salts–sucrose (TCBS) agar.

Question 8

Cholera-like acute watery diarrhea: Which organism can produce an illness closely resembling cholera in clinical presentation?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Several pathogens cause acute watery diarrhea, but only a subset produces a classic cholera-like secretory illness with profuse rice-water stools. This question evaluates recognition of non-cholera etiologies that mimic cholera clinically. Given Data / Assumptions: Cholera-like illness refers to copious watery stools without blood or significant fever. Aeromonas species, especially A. hydrophila, can elaborate enterotoxins producing secretory diarrhea. V. vulnificus is mainly associated with wound infections and septicemia after raw oyster exposure. V. alginolyticus is commonly linked to ear/wound infections; gastroenteritis is less prominent. Concept / Approach: Match each organism to its typical clinical syndromes and toxins. Aeromonas hydrophila is known for cholera-like diarrhea; the others are not typical causes of that specific syndrome. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Define the syndrome: secretory diarrhea due to toxin-mediated cAMP/cGMP changes.Step 2: Link Aeromonas hydrophila to enterotoxin production and cholera-like disease.Step 3: Recognize that V. vulnificus primarily causes wound sepsis and fulminant bacteremia, not classic cholera-like diarrhea.Step 4: V. alginolyticus is mainly otitis externa and wound-related; diarrheal illness is uncommon.Step 5: Conclude that Aeromonas hydrophila is the best answer. Verification / Alternative check: Clinical reviews categorize Aeromonas diarrheal disease as watery and sometimes cholera-like, particularly in tropical regions and in association with contaminated water or food. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Vibrio vulnificus: predominantly invasive soft-tissue infection and septicemia after seafood; not classically cholera-like diarrhea. Vibrio alginolyticus: notable for ear and wound infections; cholera-like illness is not characteristic. All of these: overinclusive and misleading given the typical syndromes. Campylobacter jejuni: causes inflammatory diarrhea with fever and abdominal cramps, often bloody, unlike cholera. Common Pitfalls: Assuming all marine vibrios cause cholera-like disease; conflating watery diarrhea of many causes with the specific cholera phenotype. Final Answer: Aeromonas hydrophila.

Question 9

Seafood-associated food poisoning: Which bacterium is classically linked to gastroenteritis after eating contaminated sea fish or shellfish?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Marine Vibrio species differ in their typical clinical presentations. Identifying the species most strongly associated with foodborne gastroenteritis after seafood ingestion is important for outbreak investigation and counseling on food safety. Given Data / Assumptions: Exposure: consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish. Need to identify the most common cause of seafood-associated gastroenteritis. Consider differential roles of Vibrio species. Concept / Approach: Among halophilic vibrios, V. parahaemolyticus is the classic cause of self-limited gastroenteritis via thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) and related factors. V. vulnificus is better known for septicemia and wound infections; V. alginolyticus for ear/wound disease. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Link seafood ingestion to V. parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis.Step 2: Evaluate others: V. vulnificus mainly severe wound/sepsis; V. alginolyticus less often enteric disease.Step 3: Conclude V. parahaemolyticus is the prototypical food poisoning agent here. Verification / Alternative check: Public health reports and textbooks consistently name V. parahaemolyticus as a leading cause of seafood-borne gastroenteritis worldwide, especially in warm coastal regions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Vibrio alginolyticus: primarily otitis and wound infections. Vibrio vulnificus: severe invasive disease after oysters; gastroenteritis less typical. All of these equally: incorrect—epidemiologic burden differs. Listeria monocytogenes: associated with deli meats/soft cheeses; not specific to sea fish. Common Pitfalls: Treating all marine vibrios as interchangeable; overlooking the hallmark association of V. parahaemolyticus with seafood gastroenteritis. Final Answer: Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Question 10

Cholera toxin detection: Which test method(s) are used to assay and detect cholera toxin activity or antigen?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Detecting cholera toxin is important for diagnostics, research, and surveillance. Multiple immunologic and functional assays exist to demonstrate presence or activity of this AB5 enterotoxin. Given Data / Assumptions: Immunoassays can detect toxin antigens with high sensitivity (RIA, ELISA). Cell-based assays reveal functional effects on eukaryotic cells (e.g., CHO cell morphology). The question asks which of the listed methods are used. Concept / Approach: Combine immunologic detection with bioassays that measure biologic activity. Each listed approach is established for cholera toxin detection in different contexts (lab research, reference labs, or historical methods). Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: RIA uses radiolabeled antibodies to quantify antigen; historically very sensitive.Step 2: ELISA uses enzyme-linked antibodies, safer and widely used in routine settings.Step 3: CHO cell assay detects toxin-induced morphological changes reflecting cAMP-mediated effects.Step 4: Integrate: all listed methods assay presence or action of cholera toxin. Verification / Alternative check: Reference manuals list ELISA and cell culture assays as standard approaches; RIA appears in historical and research contexts where radioisotopes are permitted. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Single-method options are incomplete since multiple methods are valid. None: contradicted by widespread use of these assays. Common Pitfalls: Assuming only one “correct” modern test exists; ignoring that activity-based assays complement antigen detection. Final Answer: All of the above methods.

Question 11

Marine exposure and wounds: Which organism is least likely to cause wound infection after exposure to seawater or contaminated shellfish?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Marine and brackish water exposures can seed polymicrobial wound infections with specific Gram-negative organisms. This question examines knowledge of which listed pathogen is least associated with wound infections after seawater or shellfish exposure. Given Data / Assumptions: V. vulnificus is notorious for necrotizing wound infections after seawater exposure. V. alginolyticus commonly causes otitis externa and wound infections in marine settings. Aeromonas species are linked to freshwater and brackish injuries but can be present in coastal environments. Shewanella algae can cause marine-associated soft-tissue infections. Concept / Approach: Identify the organism whose primary clinical association is not wound infection in marine exposures. V. cholerae is mainly an enteric pathogen transmitted via contaminated water/food causing cholera, not a typical wound pathogen. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Map each organism to typical disease: V. vulnificus → severe wound sepsis; V. alginolyticus → ear/wound; Aeromonas → traumatic water-related wound infections; Shewanella → marine soft tissue infection.Step 2: Recognize V. cholerae primarily causes diarrheal disease, rarely implicated in wound infections.Step 3: Therefore, V. cholerae is least likely in this context. Verification / Alternative check: Case series emphasize V. vulnificus as a leading cause of rapidly progressive necrotizing infections after seawater injuries, whereas V. cholerae is infrequently reported outside the gastrointestinal tract. Why Other Options Are Wrong: V. vulnificus: quintessential marine wound pathogen. V. alginolyticus: frequently linked to marine wound and ear infections. Aeromonas: well-known cause of water-exposure wounds, especially freshwater. Shewanella algae: documented cause of marine-associated cellulitis and ulcers. Common Pitfalls: Assuming all vibrios are enteric only; overlooking well-documented marine wound pathogens like V. vulnificus. Final Answer: Vibrio cholerae.

Question 12

Transport of Vibrio cholerae from field to lab: Which transport medium is appropriate for maintaining viability of V. cholerae during transit?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Proper transport media preserve enteric pathogens during sample transit, preventing overgrowth and die-off. This question assesses recognition of suitable media for Vibrio cholerae. Given Data / Assumptions: Stools or rectal swabs must maintain V. cholerae viability until plating on selective media. Certain media are designed specifically as transport, not enrichment. Multiple named media may appear in exams. Concept / Approach: Identify transport media validated for V. cholerae. VR medium and Cary–Blair are recognized options. Enrichment broths for Salmonella (selenite F, tetrathionate) and plain nutrient broth are unsuitable as transport for cholera specimens. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Venkatraman–Ramakrishnan (VR) is a traditional transport medium for V. cholerae in endemic regions.Step 2: Recognize Cary–Blair as a widely used general transport medium suitable for Vibrio as well.Step 3: Exclude Salmonella enrichment broths and nutrient broth for transport purposes.Step 4: Choose VR as the best single answer because it is explicitly formulated for V. cholerae transport. Verification / Alternative check: Laboratory references from endemic settings list VR and Cary–Blair as acceptable transport media; many exam keys favor VR when a single best answer is required. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Selenite F and tetrathionate: enrichment for Salmonella; inappropriate as transport for Vibrio. Nutrient broth: lacks buffering/selectivity; overgrowth and loss of pathogen likely. Cary–Blair: acceptable in practice, but when one answer is expected, VR is the classic named choice for V. cholerae. Common Pitfalls: Confusing enrichment with transport; assuming any broth will suffice for specimen preservation. Final Answer: Venkatraman–Ramakrishnan (VR) transport medium.

Vibrio, Aeromonas and Plesiomonas Questions