Microbiology Practice Exam

The bacteria that cause meningitis primarily attach and multiply in the upper respiratory system. This area serves as a common entry point for pathogens, as many meningitis-causing bacteria, such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, are part of the normal flora of the nasopharynx. From there, they can invade the bloodstream and potentially reach the central nervous system, leading to meningitis.

In contrast, the other options are less relevant to the initial colonization by these bacteria. The lower gastrointestinal tract is not typically associated with the entry of meningitis pathogens; rather, it hosts different types of flora and is involved in digestion. Skin cells do not provide an environment conducive to the attachment or multiplication of these bacteria, as the skin serves as a primary barrier against infection. The urinary tract is primarily associated with uropathogenic bacteria and is not a common site for meningitis pathogens to attach and multiply. This context emphasizes the specific role of the upper respiratory system in the pathology of meningitis.