A patient with pneumonia had sputum cultured, revealing Gram-negative diplococci. The bacteria were oxidase-positive and fermentative. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Neisseria meningitidis
- B. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- C. Moraxella catarrhalis
- D. Haemophilus influenzae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This is because Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus that is oxidase-positive and fermentative. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is also a Gram-negative diplococcus, but it is not fermentative. Moraxella catarrhalis is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. Haemophilus influenzae is Gram-negative but is not a diplococcus, and it is not fermentative. Therefore, based on the characteristics provided in the question, Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative agent.
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Matrix formed outside the plasma membrane is referred to as:
- A. cytoplasm
- B. glycocalyx
- C. exoplasm
- D. cell wall
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: glycocalyx. The glycocalyx is a matrix formed outside the plasma membrane that consists of glycoproteins and glycolipids. It plays crucial roles in cell-cell recognition, protection, and immune response. Cytoplasm (A) is the gel-like substance inside the cell, not outside. Exoplasm (C) is not a recognized term in biology. Cell wall (D) is a rigid structure found in plant cells, not outside the plasma membrane in all cells.
Diatoms, major components of marine phytoplankton, belong to:
- A. Chrysophyta
- B. Rhodophyta
- C. Chlorophyta
- D. Phaeophyta
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chrysophyta. Diatoms are classified under the division Chrysophyta due to their unique characteristics, such as possessing a cell wall made of silica (siliceous frustule) and containing chlorophyll a and c for photosynthesis. Chrysophyta includes golden-brown algae, which diatoms are a part of. Rhodophyta (B) includes red algae, Chlorophyta (C) includes green algae, and Phaeophyta (D) includes brown algae. These choices are incorrect as they do not align with the specific characteristics and classification of diatoms within the kingdom Protista.
A patient with pulmonary tuberculosis is prescribed the most effective antituberculosis antibiotic. Name this drug:
- A. Tetracycline
- B. Furasolidone
- C. Rifampicin
- D. Bactrim (Co-trimoxazole)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rifampicin is the correct answer because it is a first-line antibiotic for treating pulmonary tuberculosis. It has excellent bactericidal activity and penetrates well into lung tissues where the infection is located. Rifampicin is also known for preventing the development of resistance. Tetracycline (A) and Furasolidone (B) are not commonly used for tuberculosis treatment. Bactrim (D) is a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, not effective for tuberculosis treatment.
Microscopy of sputum revealed acid-fast bacilli stained red against a blue background using Ziehl-Neelsen staining. What disease does this finding suggest?
- A. Tuberculosis
- B. Diphtheria
- C. Pneumonia
- D. Leprosy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The presence of acid-fast bacilli stained red against a blue background indicates mycobacteria, specifically Mycobacterium tuberculosis in this case. Ziehl-Neelsen staining is commonly used to detect tuberculosis. Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which does not stain with Ziehl-Neelsen. Pneumonia is a general term for lung infections caused by various pathogens. Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which requires special staining methods different from Ziehl-Neelsen.
Which of the following bacteria is 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 because all three bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae) can cause bacterial meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of meningococcal meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae can cause H. influenzae meningitis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumococcal meningitis. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct. The other choices are incorrect because each of the bacteria listed can independently cause bacterial meningitis, so none of them alone can be the sole correct answer.