Respiratory microbiology: 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 · Respiratory microbiology

Sample item

Which infection requires droplet precautions because of meningococcal transmission?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Neisseria meningitidis meningitis

Meningococcal disease spreads through respiratory secretions, so droplet precautions and prompt chemoprophylaxis for close contacts are important.

Option by option

  • A. Tetanus

    Tetanus is not spread person to person.

  • B. Neisseria meningitidis meningitis (correct)

    Correct: droplet spread drives meningococcal precautions.

  • C. Legionella pneumonia

    Legionella is acquired from water aerosols.

  • D. Botulism

    Botulism is toxin-mediated.

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 B, Neisseria meningitidis meningitis. Meningococcal disease spreads through respiratory secretions, so droplet precautions and prompt chemoprophylaxis for close contacts are important.

Why is "Tetanus" not the answer?

Tetanus is not spread person to person.

Why is "Legionella pneumonia" not the answer?

Legionella is acquired from water aerosols.

Why is "Botulism" not the answer?

Botulism is toxin-mediated.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Respiratory microbiology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: droplet spread drives meningococcal precautions.

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 Respiratory microbiology?

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.