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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.
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Microscopic examination of a smear from a chancre revealed spiral microorganisms. The bacteria were thin and mobile with 8-12 regular coils. What is the likely diagnosis?
- A. Syphilis
- B. Leptospirosis
- C. Lyme disease
- D. Relapsing fever
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct diagnosis is A: Syphilis. The spiral microorganisms described are characteristic of Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. The thin and mobile bacteria with 8-12 regular coils match the morphology of Treponema pallidum. Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira interrogans, which are thicker and have hook-like ends, different from the described bacteria. Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which has a different appearance than the thin, coiled bacteria in the smear. Relapsing fever is caused by Borrelia recurrentis, which typically have irregular coils, unlike the regular coils seen in the smear.
What type of bacteria is responsible for the formation of acid in the stomach?
- A. Staphylococcus aureus
- B. Helicobacter pylori
- C. Bacillus cereus
- D. Clostridium botulinum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is responsible for stomach acid formation by producing an enzyme called urease, which converts urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, leading to an increase in stomach pH. Staphylococcus aureus (A) does not cause stomach acid formation. Bacillus cereus (C) and Clostridium botulinum (D) are not involved in stomach acid processes.
Which of the following bacteria produces an endotoxin responsible for septic shock?
- A. Staphylococcus aureus
- B. Escherichia coli
- C. Neisseria meningitidis
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above." Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Neisseria meningitidis all produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock. Endotoxins are part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli and N. meningitidis, which can trigger a severe immune response leading to septic shock. S. aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, produces toxins that can also contribute to septic shock. Therefore, all of these bacteria can produce endotoxins responsible for septic shock. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they only identify individual bacteria that produce endotoxins, whereas the correct answer encompasses all bacteria listed.
The phagocytosis is:
- A. Killing of bacterial cells with bactericidal antibiotics
- B. Blocking of key bacterial enzymes
- C. Active engulf and destruction of microorganisms by some host cells
- D. There is no correct answer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because phagocytosis refers to the process where certain host cells engulf and destroy microorganisms. This is an essential mechanism of the immune system to eliminate pathogens. Choice A is incorrect because phagocytosis does not involve the use of antibiotics. Choice B is incorrect as it describes a different mechanism of action against bacteria. Choice D is incorrect because phagocytosis is a well-established biological process.
Which of the following viruses could be reactivated under immunosuppressive therapy?
- A. Virus Parotitidis
- B. Rubella virus
- C. Influenza A
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, "None of the above," because viruses like Parotitidis (mumps), Rubella, and Influenza A are not typically associated with reactivation under immunosuppressive therapy. Reactivation is more commonly seen in latent viruses like herpesviruses (e.g., herpes simplex, varicella-zoster), cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. These viruses can remain dormant in the body and reactivate when the immune system is compromised. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as the viruses mentioned in choices A, B, and C do not fit the criteria for reactivation under immunosuppressive therapy.