Bacteriology: uropathogenic E. coli: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Microbiology · Bacteriology: uropathogenic E. coli

Sample item

A 22-year-old woman with acute pyelonephritis has no vesicoureteric reflux or obstruction. The causative Escherichia coli carries a pap gene cluster. Which virulence factor does this encode?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. P fimbriae binding to the uroepithelial receptor

Uropathogenic E. coli attach to the P blood group glycolipid receptor of uroepithelial cells using P fimbriae encoded by the pap operon, resisting washout and ascending to the kidney. K1 capsule is linked to neonatal meningitis, Shiga toxin to enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, and heat-labile toxin to enterotoxigenic E. coli.

Option by option

  • A. Heat-labile enterotoxin

    Heat-labile enterotoxin causes traveller's diarrhoea.

  • B. K1 capsule for neonatal meningitis

    K1 capsule is associated with neonatal meningitis and septicaemia.

  • C. P fimbriae binding to the uroepithelial receptor (correct)

    Correct. P fimbriae allow attachment and ascent to the kidney.

  • D. Shiga toxin

    Shiga toxin causes haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is C, P fimbriae binding to the uroepithelial receptor. Uropathogenic E.

Why is "Heat-labile enterotoxin" not the answer?

Heat-labile enterotoxin causes traveller's diarrhoea.

Why is "K1 capsule for neonatal meningitis" not the answer?

K1 capsule is associated with neonatal meningitis and septicaemia.

Why is "Shiga toxin" not the answer?

Shiga toxin causes haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology: uropathogenic E. coli in Microbiology. coli attach to the P blood group glycolipid receptor of uroepithelial cells using P fimbriae encoded by the pap operon, resisting washout and ascending to the kidney. K1 capsule is linked to neonatal meningitis, Shiga toxin to enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, and heat-labile toxin to enterotoxigenic E. coli.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Bacteriology: uropathogenic E. coli?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.