American Society of Microbiology ABMM Actual Free Exam Questions & Community Discussion

A clinical microbiology laboratory is validating a new point-of-care test for the rapid detection of influenza A and B viruses. To accurately determine the clinical sensitivity of the test, it should be compared to a gold standard method using:

A clinical microbiology laboratory is using flow cytometry to analyze lymphocyte subsets in a patient with suspected immunodeficiency. Which of the following cell surface markers is typically used to identify helper T cells?

A research laboratory is investigating the mechanism of action of a novel antiviral compound. In vitro studies demonstrate that the compound effectively inhibits the replication of a specific enveloped RNA virus. Further analysis reveals that the compound does not interfere with viral entry, genome replication, or protein synthesis. However, electron microscopy of infected cells treated with the compound shows an accumulation of viral glycoproteins within the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, with a significant reduction in the release of infectious virions. The MOST likely target of this antiviral compound is:

A foodborne outbreak is suspected after several individuals who attended a potluck dinner develop nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps within 1-6 hours of eating. No fever or diarrhea is reported. The MOST likely bacterial toxin involved is:

A microbiology laboratory receives a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample from a patient with suspected meningitis. Gram stain shows numerous Gram-negative diplococci. The organism grows on chocolate agar but not on blood agar without added CO2. The MOST likely identification is:

A patient with a history of neutropenia following chemotherapy develops a rapidly progressive pneumonia.
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid reveals septate hyphae with acute angle (45-degree) branching. The MOST likely diagnosis is invasive pulmonary aspergillosis caused by:

A patient with a history of travel to Southeast Asia presents with fever, severe headache, and altered mental status. CSF analysis reveals lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein, but routine bacterial and viral cultures are negative. Serological testing of CSF is positive for IgM antibodies against Japanese encephalitis virus. The MOST likely mode of transmission for this infection is:

A clinical microbiology laboratory is performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing on a Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate. The isolate is resistant to multiple beta-lactam antibiotics, and further testing reveals the presence of a carbapenemase enzyme. The MOST clinically significant carbapenemase in Klebsiella pneumoniae is often:

A patient with a history of intravenous drug use develops a bloodstream infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing reveals resistance to methicillin. The mechanism of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is primarily mediated by: