Free American Society for Microbiology ABMM Exam Questions

A research laboratory is investigating the mechanisms of viral latency in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). During latency in sensory neurons, the viral genome exists as a circular episome. Whichof the following viral gene products is thought to play a crucial role in maintaining this latent state and preventing viral gene expression?

A clinical trial is evaluating the efficacy of a new antifungal agent against invasive aspergillosis. Serum galactomannan levels are being used as a biomarker to monitor the infection. A decrease in galactomannan levels during treatment would indicate: 

A clinical isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae from a patient with a refractory urinary tract infection exhibits resistance to carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem). PCR analysis reveals the presence of the blaKPC gene. Which of the following enzymatic mechanisms is responsible for this resistance?

A Gram-positive rod is isolated from the blood culture of a neonate with sepsis. The organism exhibits weak beta-hemolysis on sheep blood agar, is catalase-positive, hydrolyzes esculin in the presence of bile, and demonstrates characteristic "tumbling" motility in a wet mount prepared from a broth culture incubated at 25° C. Which organism is most likely? 

A clinical laboratory manager is implementing a new automated blood culture system. Which aspect is LEAST likely to be part of the initial verification/validation process before clinical use?