Microbiology MCQs
Microbiology MCQs cover bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, and immunology, testing pathogen identification, microbial physiology, and infection control. Ideal for MDCAT, FCPS, NTS, and USMLE preparation, these quizzes boost academic knowledge, clinical skills, and exam success.
Q: The causative agent of cholera is
A) Salmonella typhi
B) Shigella dysenteriae
C) Vibrio cholerae
D) Escherichia coli
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vibrio cholerae produces enterotoxins that lead to severe watery diarrhea and dehydration.
Q: Molds reproduce primarily by
A) Budding
B) Conjugation
C) Binary fission
D) Spore formation
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Molds produce asexual spores for reproduction, which disperse through air or water.
Q: Antigenic drift in viruses refers to
A) Minor genetic changes
B) Environmental mutation
C) Complete genome change
D) Acquisition of plasmids
✅ Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Antigenic drift involves small mutations in viral genes that alter surface proteins, particularly in influenza viruses.
Q: The mode of transmission for hookworm infection is through
A) Blood transfusion
B) Skin penetration
C) Airborne droplets
D) Ingestion of eggs
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hookworm larvae penetrate the skin, often through bare feet, to enter the body.
Q: The function of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses is to
A) Replicate viral RNA
B) Copy DNA to RNA
C) Translate proteins
D) Convert RNA into DNA
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Reverse transcriptase synthesizes DNA from an RNA template, enabling integration into the host genome.