Bacteriology: Pseudomonas aeruginosa: 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: Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Sample item

A burn-wound culture has a fruity odour and blue-green pigment. Which pathogen is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces pyocyanin and pyoverdine pigments and may have a grape-like smell. It is an oxidase-positive, non-fermenting Gram-negative rod associated with burns and hospital infection.

Option by option

  • A. Proteus mirabilis

    Proteus is notable for swarming motility and urease.

  • B. Staphylococcus epidermidis

    S. epidermidis is a coagulase-negative Gram-positive coccus.

  • C. Serratia marcescens

    Serratia may produce red pigment, not blue-green pigment.

  • D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (correct)

    Correct. The pigment and burn association are classic for Pseudomonas.

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, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces pyocyanin and pyoverdine pigments and may have a grape-like smell.

Why is "Proteus mirabilis" not the answer?

Proteus is notable for swarming motility and urease.

Why is "Staphylococcus epidermidis" not the answer?

S. epidermidis is a coagulase-negative Gram-positive coccus.

Why is "Serratia marcescens" not the answer?

Serratia may produce red pigment, not blue-green pigment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology: Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Microbiology. It is an oxidase-positive, non-fermenting Gram-negative rod associated with burns and hospital infection.

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: Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

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.