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

Which test helps identify Streptococcus pneumoniae in the laboratory?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Optochin sensitivity

Streptococcus pneumoniae is classically alpha-haemolytic, optochin sensitive, and bile soluble, distinguishing it from viridans streptococci.

Option by option

  • A. Coagulase positivity

    Coagulase is used for staphylococci.

  • B. Acid-fast staining

    Pneumococcus is not acid-fast.

  • C. Urease positivity only

    Urease is not the classic pneumococcal test.

  • D. Optochin sensitivity (correct)

    Correct: optochin sensitivity supports pneumococcal identification.

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 D, Optochin sensitivity. Streptococcus pneumoniae is classically alpha-haemolytic, optochin sensitive, and bile soluble, distinguishing it from viridans streptococci.

Why is "Coagulase positivity" not the answer?

Coagulase is used for staphylococci.

Why is "Acid-fast staining" not the answer?

Pneumococcus is not acid-fast.

Why is "Urease positivity only" not the answer?

Urease is not the classic pneumococcal test.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: optochin sensitivity supports pneumococcal 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.