Bacteriology: Helicobacter pylori: 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: Helicobacter pylori

Sample item

Helicobacter pylori survives in gastric mucus chiefly because it produces which enzyme?

AOxidaseBLecithinaseCCoagulaseDUrease

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Urease

H. pylori urease converts urea to ammonia, buffering acid around the organism. It is also a microaerophilic curved Gram-negative rod and is linked to peptic ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinoma.

Option by option

A. Oxidase
Oxidase is not the key survival mechanism in stomach acid.
B. Lecithinase
Lecithinase is associated with organisms such as Clostridium perfringens.
C. Coagulase
Coagulase is characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus.
D. Urease (correct)
Correct. Urease creates a locally less acidic microenvironment.

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.

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, Urease. H.

Why is "Oxidase" not the answer?

Oxidase is not the key survival mechanism in stomach acid.

Why is "Lecithinase" not the answer?

Lecithinase is associated with organisms such as Clostridium perfringens.

Why is "Coagulase" not the answer?

Coagulase is characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology: Helicobacter pylori in Microbiology. pylori urease converts urea to ammonia, buffering acid around the organism. It is also a microaerophilic curved Gram-negative rod and is linked to peptic ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinoma.

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: Helicobacter pylori?

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.