American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the American Board of Internal Medicine Exam with our multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your medical knowledge and skills to excel in your certification exam with confidence!

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What type of bacteria is described as being gram-positive, rod-shaped, and partially acid-fast?

Streptococcus
Nocardia
Mycobacterium
Bacillus

The correct answer is: Nocardia

The characteristics of being gram-positive, rod-shaped, and partially acid-fast specifically describe Nocardia. These bacteria are part of a group that exhibits unique properties due to the presence of mycolic acids in their cell walls, which is a trait associated with acid-fastness. While Mycobacterium is also acid-fast and rod-shaped, it is typically fully acid-fast rather than partially. Streptococcus is spherical and not rod-shaped, and Bacillus, while it is rod-shaped and gram-positive, is not considered acid-fast. Thus, recognizing Nocardia's unique combination of traits as partially acid-fast and its rod shape provides a clear identification of this particular bacterial type.