Pharm.D. Doctor of Pharmacy Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Question 1

Which antibiotic class inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)?

Accepted Answer

Beta-lactams

Answer

Fluoroquinolones

Answer

Aminoglycosides

Answer

Macrolides

Question 2

What is the primary mechanism of action of fluoroquinolone antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Inhibit DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV

Answer

Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis

Answer

Inhibit protein synthesis at the 30S ribosomal subunit

Answer

Inhibit RNA polymerase

Question 3

Which organism is the most common bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in otherwise healthy adults?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Answer

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Answer

Haemophilus influenzae

Question 4

What is the drug of choice for confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia?

Accepted Answer

Vancomycin

Answer

Oxacillin

Answer

Azithromycin

Answer

Clindamycin

Question 5

Which antifungal class inhibits the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51), thereby reducing ergosterol synthesis in fungal cells?

Accepted Answer

Azoles (e.g., fluconazole)

Answer

Polyenes (e.g., amphotericin B)

Answer

Echinocandins (e.g., micafungin)

Answer

Allylamines (e.g., terbinafine)

Question 6

According to current IDSA/SHEA guidelines, which antibiotic is preferred over oral vancomycin for initial non-severe Clostridioides difficile infection due to lower recurrence rates?

Accepted Answer

Fidaxomicin

Answer

Metronidazole

Answer

Rifaximin

Answer

Linezolid

Question 7

Which antibiotic is contraindicated near term in pregnancy due to the risk of 'gray baby syndrome' in neonates?

Accepted Answer

Chloramphenicol

Answer

Tetracyclines

Answer

Penicillins

Answer

Cephalosporins