American Society of Microbiology ABMM Actual Tests : ABMM

American Society of Microbiology ABMM Exam Syllabus Topics:

American Society of Microbiology ABMM Sample Questions:

1. A patient with a history of recurrent fungal skin infections presents with a scaly, erythematous rash on their feet. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings treated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) reveals septate hyphae and arthroconidia. The MOST likely genus of the dermatophyte is:

A) Malassezia
B) Trichophyton
C) Aspergillus
D) Candida

2. A research laboratory is investigating the mechanisms of antigenic variation in Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African trypanosomiasis. The parasite evades the host immune response by periodically changing its surface coat protein. This process primarily involves:

A) Segmental gene conversion events involving a large repertoire of silent VSG genes.
B) Recombination between different VSG gene loci on minichromosomes.
C) RNA interference-mediated silencing of expressed VSG genes followed by activation of a new VSG gene.
D) High-frequency point mutations in the gene encoding the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG).

3. A public health investigation is underway following several cases of encephalitis in a specific geographic region during the summer months. Mosquitoes are abundant in the area. Serological testing of patient CSF samples reveals IgM antibodies against a flavivirus. The MOST likely causative agent is:

A) West Nile virus
B) Rabies virus
C) Jamestown Canyon virus
D) Eastern equine encephalitis virus

4. A patient develops a localized skin infection characterized by a painless, progressive ulcer with raised, indurated margins. Microscopic examination of tissue scrapings reveals amastigotes within macrophages. The patient reports recent travel to Central or South America. The MOST likely diagnosis is cutaneous:

A) Sporotrichosis
B) Myiasis
C) Leishmaniasis
D) Chromoblastomycosis

5. A patient develops a febrile illness with jaundice and dark urine after receiving a blood transfusion.
Laboratory testing reveals an elevated level of unconjugated bilirubin and a positive direct Coombs test.
Serological testing is positive for antibodies against a protozoan parasite that infects erythrocytes. The MOST likely causative agent is:

A) Babesia microti
B) Toxoplasma gondii
C) Trypanosoma cruzi
D) Plasmodium falciparum

Solutions: