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 is the usual cause of whooping cough?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Bordetella pertussis

Bordetella pertussis causes prolonged paroxysmal cough with an inspiratory whoop, particularly dangerous in young infants.

Option by option

  • A. Streptococcus pneumoniae

    S. pneumoniae commonly causes pneumonia and otitis.

  • B. Legionella pneumophila

    Legionella can cause atypical pneumonia.

  • C. Corynebacterium diphtheriae

    C. diphtheriae causes pseudomembranous pharyngitis.

  • D. Bordetella pertussis (correct)

    Correct: B. pertussis is the cause of whooping cough.

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, Bordetella pertussis. Bordetella pertussis causes prolonged paroxysmal cough with an inspiratory whoop, particularly dangerous in young infants.

Why is "Streptococcus pneumoniae" not the answer?

S. pneumoniae commonly causes pneumonia and otitis.

Why is "Legionella pneumophila" not the answer?

Legionella can cause atypical pneumonia.

Why is "Corynebacterium diphtheriae" not the answer?

C. diphtheriae causes pseudomembranous pharyngitis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: B. pertussis is the cause of whooping cough.

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.