Bacteriology: 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

Sample item

What virulence factor allows Staphylococcus aureus to bind fibrinogen?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Clumping factor

Clumping factor is a surface protein that binds fibrinogen and contributes to S. aureus adherence and laboratory identification.

Option by option

  • A. Clumping factor (correct)

    Correct: clumping factor binds fibrinogen.

  • B. Shiga toxin

    Shiga toxin is produced by other pathogens.

  • C. Urease

    Urease hydrolyses urea.

  • D. Capsular K antigen only

    K antigen is not the defining S. aureus factor.

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 A, Clumping factor. Clumping factor is a surface protein that binds fibrinogen and contributes to S.

Why is "Shiga toxin" not the answer?

Shiga toxin is produced by other pathogens.

Why is "Urease" not the answer?

Urease hydrolyses urea.

Why is "Capsular K antigen only" not the answer?

K antigen is not the defining S. aureus factor.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. aureus adherence and laboratory identification.

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?

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.