A patient with a severe sore throat had a throat smear revealing Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- B. Staphylococcus aureus
- C. Neisseria meningitidis
- D. Klebsiella pneumoniae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule is characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis, leading to a severe sore throat. Staphylococcus aureus (B) does not typically present in pairs or have a capsule. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a Gram-positive cocci. Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is a Gram-negative bacillus, not a cocci. Thus, based on the characteristics described in the question, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent.
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There is/are __________ level(s) of biosafety depending on the organisms handled.
- A. 1
- B. 2
- C. 3
- D. 4
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (4) because biosafety levels range from 1 to 4, each corresponding to the level of containment required when handling different types of organisms. BSL-1 is for low-risk agents, while BSL-4 is for dangerous pathogens. Choice A (1) is incorrect as there are multiple levels, not just one. Choice B (2) and C (3) are incorrect as they do not account for all the levels of biosafety required for handling various organisms. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it encompasses the full range of biosafety levels.
During examination of a 3-month old infant a pediatrician revealed that the baby's oral mucosa and tongue were covered with a thick white deposit. In the material taken from the affected site a bacteriologist revealed the presence of yeast fungi giving the reasons for suspecting a fungal infection which occurs most often in children of this age, namely:
- A. Candidiasis
- B. Favus
- C. Epidermophytosis
- D. Actinomycosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Candidiasis. In infants, a thick white deposit on the oral mucosa and tongue is indicative of oral thrush, which is caused by the yeast fungus Candida. Infants are particularly susceptible to Candidiasis due to their developing immune systems and use of antibiotics. Favus (B) is a chronic fungal infection of the scalp caused by Trichophyton schoenleinii, typically not seen in infants. Epidermophytosis (C) refers to superficial fungal infections of the skin caused by dermatophytes, not commonly found in the oral cavity of infants. Actinomycosis (D) is a bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, not a fungal infection.
Legionella pneumophila is:
- A. Gram-negative coccus
- B. Gram-negative spiral bacterium
- C. Gram-negative coccobacillus
- D. Gram-positive coccobacillus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Legionella pneumophila is a Gram-negative coccobacillus. It is not a coccus (round shape), spiral bacterium, or Gram-positive coccobacillus. The correct answer is C because Legionella pneumophila has a characteristic coccobacillary shape and stains Gram-negative due to its cell wall composition. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the morphology or staining characteristics of Legionella pneumophila.
Examination of duodenal contents revealed some pyriform protozoa with twin nuclei and four pairs of flagella. There were two supporting filaments between the nuclei and a suctorial disc on the ventral side. What representative of protozoa was revealed in this patient?
- A. Lamblia
- B. Toxoplasma
- C. Leishmania
- D. Intestinal trichomonad
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A (Lamblia):
1. Pyriform protozoa with twin nuclei, four pairs of flagella, and a suctorial disc match the characteristics of Giardia lamblia.
2. The presence of two supporting filaments between the nuclei is a unique feature of Giardia lamblia.
3. Giardia lamblia is known to infect the duodenum and cause symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Toxoplasma - Toxoplasma gondii is not characterized by four pairs of flagella or supporting filaments in the nuclei.
C: Leishmania - Leishmania species do not typically have the described morphology or location in the duodenum.
D: Intestinal trichomonad - Intestinal trichomonads do not exhibit the specific features mentioned in the question, such as twin nuclei and supporting filaments.
A patient presents with a history of diarrhea of several weeks duration. Which of the following may be the cause?
- A. Yersinia enterocolitica
- B. Bordetella pertussis
- C. Neisseria meningitidis
- D. Corynebacterium diphtheria
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
- Yersinia enterocolitica is a common cause of diarrhea due to contaminated food or water.
- It typically presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea.
- The other choices are unlikely causes of prolonged diarrhea, as Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, Neisseria meningitidis causes meningitis, and Corynebacterium diphtheria causes diphtheria.