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A blood culture from a patient with sepsis revealed Gram-positive cocci in pairs. The bacteria were catalase-negative and alpha-hemolytic. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- B. Staphylococcus aureus
- C. Enterococcus faecalis
- D. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This is because the bacterium is Gram-positive cocci in pairs, catalase-negative, and alpha-hemolytic, which are characteristic features of S. pneumoniae. The other choices can be ruled out based on specific characteristics: B) Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive, C) Enterococcus faecalis is gamma-hemolytic, and D) Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a Gram-negative diplococcus. Therefore, based on the given information, S. pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent of the sepsis.
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A patient with severe pneumonia had a sputum culture revealing Gram-negative rods that are non-lactose fermenters. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- B. Escherichia coli
- C. Klebsiella pneumoniae
- D. Enterobacter cloacae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common Gram-negative rod that is a non-lactose fermenter and a common cause of severe pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It is also known for its resistance to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat.
Summary of other choices:
B: Escherichia coli is a lactose fermenter and is not commonly associated with severe pneumonia.
C: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a lactose fermenter and is more commonly associated with pneumonia in alcoholics or debilitated patients.
D: Enterobacter cloacae is a lactose fermenter and is not a common cause of severe pneumonia.
The suffix -virales is given to the following terms within the taxon
- A. Species
- B. Order
- C. Family
- D. Genus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Order. The suffix -virales is used in virology to denote the order level in the taxonomy of viruses. Orders are higher taxonomic ranks compared to species, family, and genus. The suffix -virales is specifically assigned to virus orders, making choice B the correct one. The other choices (A, C, D) are incorrect because the suffix -virales does not apply to species, family, or genus in the taxonomic classification of viruses.
Which bacteria are associated with causing foodborne infections?
- A. Clostridium botulinum
- B. Escherichia coli
- C. Salmonella enterica
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) because all three bacteria (Clostridium botulinum, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica) are known to cause foodborne infections. Clostridium botulinum can lead to botulism, E. coli can cause various gastrointestinal illnesses, and Salmonella enterica is a common cause of food poisoning. Each bacterium has specific mechanisms that result in foodborne illnesses. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each bacterium mentioned is associated with causing foodborne infections, making them collectively the correct answer.
There are several cases of children from boarding school suffering from sore throat. Microscopy of tonsil smears stained according Neisser method has revealed thin yellow bacilli with dark brown grains on their ends placed in the shape of Roman numeral five. What infection can be suspected in this case?
- A. Diphtheria
- B. Scarlet fever
- C. Listeriosis
- D. Tonsilitis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A (Diphtheria):
1. Thin yellow bacilli with dark brown grains on ends suggest Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characteristic of diphtheria.
2. Roman numeral five shape is typical of diphtheria bacilli.
3. Diphtheria causes sore throat and can spread in boarding schools.
4. Neisser staining method is used for diphtheria bacilli.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Scarlet fever is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and presents with rash, not yellow bacilli.
C: Listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, not consistent with the described findings.
D: Tonsillitis can be caused by various bacteria or viruses, but the specific characteristics described do not match.
The bacteria that produces a thick pseudomembrane in the throat is:
- A. Corynebacterium diphtheriae
- B. Streptococcus pyogenes
- C. Neisseria meningitidis
- D. Bacillus cereus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the correct answer as it is the bacteria responsible for causing diphtheria, characterized by a thick pseudomembrane in the throat.
2. Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat but does not produce a pseudomembrane.
3. Neisseria meningitidis causes meningitis and septicemia, not a throat pseudomembrane.
4. Bacillus cereus causes food poisoning, not throat-related symptoms.