Respiratory microbiology: 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 · Respiratory microbiology

Sample item

Which pathogen can cause atypical pneumonia with hyponatraemia and diarrhoea?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumonia may cause high fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, hyponatraemia, and exposure history involving aerosolized water systems.

Option by option

  • A. Streptococcus pyogenes

    S. pyogenes usually causes pharyngitis.

  • B. Bordetella pertussis

    Pertussis causes paroxysmal cough.

  • C. Clostridium tetani

    Tetanus causes spastic paralysis.

  • D. Legionella pneumophila (correct)

    Correct: systemic features and water exposure suggest Legionella.

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, Legionella pneumophila. Legionella pneumonia may cause high fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, hyponatraemia, and exposure history involving aerosolized water systems.

Why is "Streptococcus pyogenes" not the answer?

S. pyogenes usually causes pharyngitis.

Why is "Bordetella pertussis" not the answer?

Pertussis causes paroxysmal cough.

Why is "Clostridium tetani" not the answer?

Tetanus causes spastic paralysis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Respiratory microbiology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: systemic features and water exposure suggest Legionella.

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 Respiratory microbiology?

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.