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 source of Legionella infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Inhaled aerosolized water

Legionella is acquired by inhaling contaminated water aerosols from systems such as cooling towers, not usually by person-to-person spread.

Option by option

  • A. Tick bite

    Ticks transmit other infections.

  • B. Inhaled aerosolized water (correct)

    Correct: aerosolized water is the main acquisition route.

  • C. Undercooked poultry

    Poultry is linked to Campylobacter.

  • D. Sexual contact

    Legionella is not a typical STI.

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 B, Inhaled aerosolized water. Legionella is acquired by inhaling contaminated water aerosols from systems such as cooling towers, not usually by person-to-person spread.

Why is "Tick bite" not the answer?

Ticks transmit other infections.

Why is "Undercooked poultry" not the answer?

Poultry is linked to Campylobacter.

Why is "Sexual contact" not the answer?

Legionella is not a typical STI.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: aerosolized water is the main acquisition route.

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.