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

What test is used to detect mycobacterial acid-fast bacilli in sputum?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Ziehl-Neelsen stain

The central Bacteriology concept identifies Ziehl-Neelsen stain as the best answer because it directly explains the mechanism, indication, adverse effect, or organism feature described.

Option by option

  • A. India ink

    India ink is unsupported by the mechanism or clinical clue in the stem.

  • B. Gram stain

    Gram stain does not fit the stated bacteriology relationship.

  • C. KOH mount

    KOH mount has another context but is not the most appropriate answer here.

  • D. Ziehl-Neelsen stain (correct)

    Correct. Ziehl-Neelsen stain matches the decisive point in this scenario.

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, Ziehl-Neelsen stain. The central Bacteriology concept identifies Ziehl-Neelsen stain as the best answer because it directly explains the mechanism, indication, adverse effect, or organism feature described.

Why is "India ink" not the answer?

India ink is unsupported by the mechanism or clinical clue in the stem.

Why is "Gram stain" not the answer?

Gram stain does not fit the stated bacteriology relationship.

Why is "KOH mount" not the answer?

KOH mount has another context but is not the most appropriate answer here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct. Ziehl-Neelsen stain matches the decisive point in this scenario.

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.