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 reservoir of Clostridioides difficile infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Colon after microbiome disruption

C. difficile can overgrow in the colon after antibiotics disrupt normal flora, producing toxin-mediated diarrhea and colitis.

Option by option

  • A. Bloodstream only

    Bloodstream infection is not typical.

  • B. Skin surface only

    Skin is not the usual reservoir.

  • C. Colon after microbiome disruption (correct)

    Correct: colonic dysbiosis permits overgrowth.

  • D. Middle ear only

    It is not primarily an ear pathogen.

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, Colon after microbiome disruption. C.

Why is "Bloodstream only" not the answer?

Bloodstream infection is not typical.

Why is "Skin surface only" not the answer?

Skin is not the usual reservoir.

Why is "Middle ear only" not the answer?

It is not primarily an ear pathogen.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. difficile can overgrow in the colon after antibiotics disrupt normal flora, producing toxin-mediated diarrhea and colitis.

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.