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.

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Microbiology · Bacteriology

Sample item

Which organism is associated with neonatal meningitis and foodborne infection in pregnancy?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria can cross the placenta and cause neonatal sepsis or meningitis; it is associated with contaminated refrigerated foods and unpasteurized products.

Option by option

  • A. Shigella sonnei

    Shigella primarily causes dysentery.

  • B. Neisseria meningitidis

    Meningococcus has different transmission.

  • C. Listeria monocytogenes (correct)

    Correct: Listeria is important in pregnancy and neonates.

  • D. Haemophilus influenzae

    Hib has a different risk profile.

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, Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria can cross the placenta and cause neonatal sepsis or meningitis; it is associated with contaminated refrigerated foods and unpasteurized products.

Why is "Shigella sonnei" not the answer?

Shigella primarily causes dysentery.

Why is "Neisseria meningitidis" not the answer?

Meningococcus has different transmission.

Why is "Haemophilus influenzae" not the answer?

Hib has a different risk profile.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: Listeria is important in pregnancy and neonates.

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.