A child with foul-smelling diarrhea had trophozoites with two nuclei and flagella identified in stool microscopy. What is the causative agent?
- A. Giardia lamblia
- B. Entamoeba histolytica
- C. Trichomonas vaginalis
- D. Balantidium coli
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Giardia lamblia. Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes foul-smelling diarrhea with trophozoites having two nuclei and flagella in stool microscopy. The presence of flagella and two nuclei is characteristic of Giardia lamblia. Entamoeba histolytica (Choice B) causes amoebic dysentery with trophozoites containing ingested RBCs. Trichomonas vaginalis (Choice C) is a sexually transmitted protozoan causing vaginitis with a distinctive pear-shaped trophozoite. Balantidium coli (Choice D) is a ciliated protozoan causing diarrhea with trophozoites containing a single nucleus.
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Which bacteria are capable of forming spores to survive in harsh environments?
- A. Bacillus anthracis
- B. Clostridium botulinum
- C. Both A and B
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (Both A and B) because both Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium botulinum are capable of forming spores to survive in harsh environments. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax and forms spores that can survive extreme conditions. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism and also forms spores for survival. Option A (Bacillus anthracis) and Option B (Clostridium botulinum) are incorrect on their own because they only represent one of the bacteria capable of forming spores. Option D (None of the above) is incorrect because it disregards the fact that both bacteria can form spores.
Which bacteria are capable of producing exotoxins?
- A. Clostridium tetani
- B. Staphylococcus aureus
- C. Escherichia coli
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Clostridium tetani, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli are all capable of producing exotoxins. Exotoxins are proteins released by bacteria that can cause damage to the host. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin, causing tetanus. Staphylococcus aureus produces toxins like enterotoxin and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1. Escherichia coli can produce Shiga toxin and heat-labile toxin. Therefore, all three bacteria listed can produce exotoxins, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not encompass all the bacteria capable of producing exotoxins.
The etiological agent of Q-fever is:
- A. Bunyaviridae
- B. Coxiella burneti
- C. Rickettsia conorii
- D. Filoviridae
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Coxiella burnetii. Q-fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It is not caused by viruses like Bunyaviridae or Filoviridae. Rickettsia conorii causes Mediterranean spotted fever, not Q-fever. Coxiella burnetii is the only bacterium among the choices known to be the etiological agent of Q-fever.
The complex of all biological processes/mechanisms responsible for the state of steady internal, physical and chemical conditions in the living systems and defense against all foreign agents is knows as:
- A. infection
- B. homeostasis
- C. immunity
- D. commensalism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. It involves various biological processes and mechanisms that regulate factors such as temperature, pH, and nutrient levels within narrow limits. This is crucial for the proper functioning of cells, tissues, and organs.
Now, let's analyze the other choices:
A: Infection - Infection refers to the invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, leading to illnesses. It is not the correct answer as it does not encompass the overall maintenance of internal conditions.
C: Immunity - Immunity is the body's ability to resist and fight off infections. While immunity is related to defense against foreign agents, it does not fully capture the concept of maintaining internal stability.
D: Commensalism - Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship between different species where one benefits without harming the other. It is not related to the overall regulation of
The specific binding of HIV to the CD4 surface molecules of the target cells is brought about by:
- A. Gp120
- B. Gp41
- C. Gp32
- D. Gp55
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gp120. Gp120 is a glycoprotein on the surface of the HIV virus that specifically binds to the CD4 receptor on target cells. This binding is essential for the virus to enter the host cell and initiate the infection process. Gp41 is another glycoprotein on the virus that helps with membrane fusion, not binding to CD4. Gp32 and Gp55 are not involved in the specific binding of HIV to CD4 molecules. So, A is correct as it directly plays a key role in the initial attachment of HIV to target cells.