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/219 DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KEVIN STREET, DUBLIN 8

BSc Biosciences BSc Physical and Life Sciences (Biosciences Option)

STAGE 2

MODULAR EXAMINATIONS SEMESTER TWO 2008-2009

MICROBIOLOGY 3 .(BIOL 2603)

DR D CORCORAN, DR M MOYNIHAN Ms B A RYAN Thursday 21st May 2009 - 1.00pro to 3.00pm

Attempt two questions. All questions carry equal marks.

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, Answer all parts:

[a] Indicate how Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis can be distinguished on differential agar, by the possession of virulence factors as determined by incubation and by latex agglutination tests. [b} Growth of Streptococcus faecelis and Streptococcus pyogenes can be distinguished on blood agar and by the Lancefield group determination test, in addition to other tests that require incubation in the laboratory. Explain in detail what these are, how they are performed and interpret their use. [c} Explain precisely what infectious dose 50 (IDh0) and lethal dose 50(LDh0) mean. [d] Discuss the role bacterial capsules play in bacterial virulence and give precise examples, namthg the organisms being discussed. [12.5 marks each section]
, Answer all parts:

[a] Compare the function of bacterial coagulases, haemolysins and lecithinases, and discuss how they are detected in the laboratory. [b] Using examples explain how bacteda adhere to host cells. [c] Bacteda in biofilm are known to send and receive chemical signals used to coordinate gene expression. What is the name given to describe this form of communication, how does it operate and what advantages does it serve? [d] Explain what is meant by antigenic variation and what advantage could {t serve invading pathogens [el Explain the difference between a bactedal endotoxin and an exotoxin, identifying the organism ~eing discussed. [10 marks each section]
. Answer all parts:

[a] . Explain why antimicrobial susceptibility testing of a clinical isolate may be needed and how filter paper discs impregnated with antibiotics can be used to reliably determine susceptibility, provided that the conditions of the test are adequately standardised. [10 marks] [b] Indicate what the procedure is for standardisation of the bacterial inoculum and how the inoculum is applied to the MueUar-Hinton agar plate. [10 marks] How are the zones of inhibition measured after incubation? [c] [5 marks] [d] List the different bacterial processes that antimicrobial agents target or inhibit, and give an example of an antimicrobial agent in each category. [10 marks]

[e]What does MRSA mean? Explain briefly what acquired antimicrobial resistance means and write
a note on the mechanisms that can lead to it. [15 marks]

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4 Answer all parts: [a] Define what is meant by a monoclonal antibody [5 marks] [b] ELISA is a shortened scientific term for a procedure carried out in microbiology. Wdte out the full proper name for this procedure, and outline the principle of either the direct o_r indirect ELISA method and indicate what applications there are for that procedure. [c] In relation to Salmonel/a, wdte an account of the Kauffman and White classification [30 marks] system [15 marks]

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