A child with fever and a sore throat had a Gram-stained smear revealing Gram-positive cocci in chains. The bacteria were beta-hemolytic. What is the likely causative agent?
- A. Streptococcus pyogenes
- B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- C. Staphylococcus aureus
- D. Enterococcus faecalis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in chains suggests a streptococcal infection. Beta-hemolysis indicates the production of a hemolysin that lyses red blood cells, a characteristic of Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is known to cause strep throat and can present with fever and sore throat.
Summary:
- B: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia but typically appears as lancet-shaped cocci, not in chains.
- C: Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive cocci in clusters, not chains, and is not typically beta-hemolytic.
- D: Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive cocci that are part of the normal gut flora and are not typically beta-hemolytic or found in chains.
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The process by which the nucleus of protozoans undergoes multiple divisions before the cell divides is called:
- A. budding
- B. mitosis
- C. schizogony
- D. fragmentation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Schizogony is the process in protozoans where multiple nuclear divisions occur before cell division. This results in the formation of multiple daughter cells.
- A: Budding is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows from an outgrowth on the parent.
- B: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.
- D: Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, each developing into a new organism.
Granulomas containing lymphocytes and macrophages were detected during analysis of skin biopsy material. Among macrophages there are large cells with fat inclusions, which contain microorganisms in spheric packages (Virchow's cells). The following disease is based on the described type of hypersensitivity:
- A. Leprosy
- B. Syphilis
- C. Tuberculosis
- D. Rhinoscleroma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tuberculosis. Granulomas with lymphocytes and macrophages containing Virchow's cells (large cells with fat inclusions containing microorganisms) are classic findings in tuberculosis. Leprosy (A) typically presents with granulomas but with different histopathological features. Syphilis (B) does not usually form granulomas in the skin. Rhinoscleroma (D) is a chronic bacterial infection characterized by nodular lesions but does not typically involve Virchow's cells as seen in tuberculosis.
Microscopic analysis of dental plaque revealed flagellated protozoa without a cyst stage. What microorganism is likely present?
- A. Trichomonas tenax
- B. Entamoeba gingivalis
- C. Balantidium coli
- D. Giardia lamblia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trichomonas tenax. Trichomonas tenax is a flagellated protozoan commonly found in the oral cavity and does not have a cyst stage. This organism typically inhabits the gingival crevices and can be identified in dental plaque samples. Entamoeba gingivalis (B) is an amoeba and does not have flagella. Balantidium coli (C) is a ciliated protozoan that infects the intestines, not the oral cavity. Giardia lamblia (D) is a flagellated protozoan that infects the intestines and has a distinct cyst stage. Therefore, the presence of flagellated protozoa without a cyst stage in dental plaque indicates Trichomonas tenax is likely present.
Which is NOT an antigen-presenting cell (or APC)?
- A. B cell
- B. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte
- C. Dendritic cell
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Polymorphonuclear leukocyte. APCs are specialized immune cells that present antigens to T cells. B cells and dendritic cells are classic examples of APCs, as they can efficiently present antigens. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes, such as neutrophils, are not considered traditional APCs because they are primarily involved in phagocytosis and killing of pathogens rather than antigen presentation. Therefore, they do not play a significant role in initiating adaptive immune responses. The incorrect choices are A (B cell) and C (Dendritic cell) because they are both well-known antigen-presenting cells in the immune system. Choice D (All of the above) is incorrect because B cells and dendritic cells are indeed antigen-presenting cells.
Which bacteria is known for causing tuberculosis?
- A. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- B. Mycobacterium leprae
- C. Escherichia coli
- D. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is known for causing tuberculosis, as it specifically infects the lungs and can lead to serious respiratory issues. Mycobacterium leprae (Choice B) causes leprosy, not tuberculosis. Escherichia coli (Choice C) is a common bacteria found in the intestines and is not associated with tuberculosis. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Choice D) causes pneumonia, but not tuberculosis. Therefore, the correct choice is A because Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the specific bacterium responsible for causing tuberculosis.