Department of Microbiology
Frequently asked question list
Please Note:
• All students are requested to study all topics given in the portions from recommended standard
textbooks
• The list of question given below is the most frequently asked questions in the Examinations.
Please use it as check list while revising for the examination
• MCQ will be from all topics in the portions
Essay:
1. Describe the pathogenesis, complications and laboratory diagnosis of dengue virus
2. Enumerate the etiological agents causing zoonotic infections. Describe the
pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis and prevention of Brucellosis
3. Enumerate etiological agents causing PUO. Describe the pathogenesis, laboratory
diagnosis and prevention of Leptospirosis
4. Enumerate the microbial agents causing acute pyogenic meningitis. Describe the
pathogenesis, clinical features, complications and laboratory diagnosis of Neisseria
meningitidis.
5. Describe the modes of transmission, pathogenesis, clinical features, complications and
laboratory diagnosis of Poliomyelitis. Elaborate on prophylaxis against poliomyelitis.
6. Describe the modes of transmission, pathogenesis, clinical features, laboratory
diagnosis and prophylaxis of Rabies.
7. List the free-living amoebae causing CNS infection in humans. Describe the mode of
transmission, life cycle, pathogenesis and laboratory diagnosis of Accanthamoeba.
8. Discuss the lifecycle, modes of transmission, pathogenesis, complications and
laboratory diagnosis of Taenia solium.
Example of case-based essay
1. A 5-year-old boy presented to our emergency department with high grade fever,
headache and giddiness for 3 days. On examination, the child was found to be drowsy
and had neck stiffness. The pediatrician suspected pyogenic meningitis. CSF was
collected aseptically. CSF appeared turbid and revealed leukocytosis with predominant
neutrophils; raised CSF protein of 840mgs/dl and decreased CSF glucose of 28mgs/dl.
Gram stain of CSF showed gram negative diplococci.
• What is the most probable causative agent in the above clinical condition? (1
mark)
• Enumerate four other common bacteria causing acute meningitis (2 marks)
• Describe in detail about the virulence factors, pathogenesis, clinical
manifestations and laboratory diagnosis of above causative agent (2+2+2+4
marks)
• Elaborate on its prophylaxis (2 marks)
Short Answers
1. Chikungunya
2. Leptospirosis/ Weil`s disease
3. HACEK
4. Etiological agents and Laboratory Diagnosis of Infective endocarditis
5. Rheumatic fever
6. Typhus fever
7. Scrub typhus
8. Borrelia recurrentis
9. Borrelia burgdorferi
10. Dengue
11. Laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis
12. Laboratory diagnosis of acute pyogenic meningitis
13. Neisseria meningitidis
14. Listeria monocytogenes
15. Aseptic meningitis
16. Coxsackie virus
17. Prophylaxis of rabies
18. Prophylaxis of poliomyelitis
19. Slow virus diseases
20. Prion diseases
21. Naegleria fowleri
22. Acanthamoeba
23. Toxoplasmosis
24. Neurocysticercosis
25. Cysticercosis cellulosae
26. Taenia solium
27. Taenia saginata
28. Cryptococcosis
29. Mucormycosis / Zygomycosis
30. Japanese encephalitis
Example of case based short answer:
1. A 45-year-old bird sanctuary care taker presented to the emergency room with
complaints of 10-day-history of fever, headache, projectile vomiting and mental
changes. He was diagnosed with HIV two years back. Neurologic examination showed
a positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs. CSF gram stain revealed gram-positive round,
capsulated budding yeast cells.
a. What is the clinical diagnosis of this patient?
b. What would be the 2 most likely risk factors in this case?
c. Describe the pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis of this condition
