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A patient with a severe case of pneumonia had sputum stained using the Gram method. The smear revealed Gram-positive cocci arranged in pairs with a capsule. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- B. Staphylococcus aureus
- C. Klebsiella pneumoniae
- D. Enterococcus faecalis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia and is characterized by being Gram-positive cocci arranged in pairs with a capsule, as described in the question. The presence of a capsule is a key characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae, distinguishing it from the other choices. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci, but it typically forms clusters, not pairs. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) is a Gram-negative rod, not a Gram-positive cocci. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is a Gram-positive cocci, but it does not typically present with a capsule in the same way Streptococcus pneumoniae does.
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How is detected viral multiplication in cell culture
- A. by the presence of a specific cytopathic effect
- B. by using of an immunofluorescence detection method
- C. the characteristic type of viral colonies
- D. A and B both
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (A and B both). In viral multiplication, the presence of a specific cytopathic effect (CPE) in cell culture indicates viral replication. This is detected visually through changes in cell morphology. Additionally, immunofluorescence detection methods can be used to detect viral antigens within infected cells, confirming viral multiplication. Options C is incorrect as viral colonies are not typically used to detect viral multiplication in cell culture. Option B alone is not sufficient as it only focuses on immunofluorescence detection, while option A alone may not always be specific. Therefore, the combination of A and B provides a more comprehensive and accurate detection method for viral multiplication in cell culture.
Which bacteria are responsible for causing bacterial meningitis?
- A. Neisseria meningitidis
- B. Haemophilus influenzae
- C. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above." Bacterial meningitis can be caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria are common pathogens associated with meningitis. Each of them can lead to serious infections in the brain and spinal cord. Neisseria meningitidis is known for causing meningococcal meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of H. influenzae meningitis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for pneumococcal meningitis. Therefore, since all three bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these bacteria individually can cause bacterial meningitis; it is not limited to just one specific type.
Which bacteria is commonly associated with foodborne illnesses caused by contaminated water?
- A. Vibrio cholerae
- B. Clostridium difficile
- C. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- D. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium is commonly associated with foodborne illnesses caused by contaminated water due to its ability to survive and multiply in water sources. Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, a severe gastrointestinal infection transmitted through contaminated food and water. Clostridium difficile, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are not typically associated with foodborne illnesses caused by contaminated water. Clostridium difficile causes gastrointestinal infections linked to antibiotic use, Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis through respiratory transmission, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes sexually transmitted infections.
Gram staining is used to differentiate bacteria based on:
- A. size and shape
- B. presence of flagella
- C. cell wall composition
- D. genetic material
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: cell wall composition. Gram staining differentiates bacteria based on the structure of their cell walls. It classifies bacteria into Gram-positive (thick peptidoglycan layer) and Gram-negative (thin peptidoglycan layer). This differentiation is crucial for identifying bacterial species and guiding treatment choices. Size and shape (choice A) are not specific to Gram staining. Presence of flagella (choice B) is related to bacterial motility, not Gram staining. Genetic material (choice D) is not directly assessed by Gram staining. Overall, the unique composition of the cell wall is the key factor in distinguishing bacteria through Gram staining.
Microscopic examination of pus sample taken from mandibular fistula canal and stained by Gram's method has revealed druses with gram-positive coloring in the center and cone-shaped structures with gram-negative coloring. Such morphology is characteristic of the agent of:
- A. Fusobacteriosis
- B. Actinomycosis
- C. Staphylococcal osteomyelitis
- D. Anaerobic infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Actinomycosis. Actinomyces is a gram-positive bacterium that forms sulfur granules (druses) with gram-positive coloring in the center and filamentous structures resembling cones with gram-negative coloring. This morphology is characteristic of Actinomyces species. Fusobacteriosis (choice A) typically presents with gram-negative rods. Staphylococcal osteomyelitis (choice C) is caused by gram-positive staphylococci, not Actinomyces. Anaerobic infections (choice D) can be caused by various bacteria, but the specific morphology described in the question matches Actinomyces, making choice B the correct answer.