A patient's sputum was stained using Ziehl-Neelsen method, which revealed red-colored bacilli on a blue background. What structural component of the cell is responsible for this staining property?
- A. Mycolic acid
- B. Capsule
- C. Flagella
- D. Endospores
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycolic acid. Ziehl-Neelsen method is used to stain acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium species. Mycolic acid in the cell wall of these bacteria resists decolorization, leading to red-colored bacilli on a blue background. Capsule, flagella, and endospores do not play a role in this staining property. Capsules are usually stained using special techniques, flagella are not typically visible with this stain, and endospores are stained using the Schaeffer-Fulton method.
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Which of the following bacteria produce exotoxins that cause severe gastrointestinal illness?
- A. Clostridium botulinum
- B. Vibrio cholerae
- C. Escherichia coli
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) because all three bacteria listed produce exotoxins that cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin causing botulism. Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to cholera. Escherichia coli can produce various exotoxins causing different types of severe gastrointestinal illnesses like E. coli O157:H7 causing bloody diarrhea. Therefore, all choices A, B, and C are correct in this case as they all produce exotoxins causing severe gastrointestinal illness.
A fecal sample from a patient with diarrhea was cultured on Endo agar, resulting in colorless colonies. The bacteria were Gram-negative rods. What microorganism is most likely?
- A. Salmonella
- B. Shigella
- C. Escherichia coli
- D. Proteus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Shigella. On Endo agar, Shigella appears as colorless colonies due to its inability to ferment lactose. Shigella is a Gram-negative rod and is a common cause of diarrhea. Salmonella (A) and Escherichia coli (C) would typically produce pink colonies on Endo agar as they can ferment lactose. Proteus (D) is not commonly associated with diarrhea and would not be expected to grow on Endo agar.
Salmonellosis is caused by:
- A. Salmonella typhi
- B. Salmonella enteritidis
- C. Shigella flexneri
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Salmonella enteritidis. Salmonellosis is typically caused by Salmonella species, with Salmonella enteritidis being one of the common culprits. Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever, not salmonellosis. Shigella flexneri is responsible for causing shigellosis, a different bacterial infection. Choosing "None of the above" is incorrect as Salmonella enteritidis is a known cause of salmonellosis.
Name the halogen-containing antiseptic with fungicidal properties, which is used to treat dermatomycosis:
- A. Iodine solution
- B. Formalin solution
- C. Methylene blue
- D. Brilliant green
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Iodine solution contains iodine, a halogen with antiseptic properties.
2. Iodine is effective against fungi, making it suitable for treating dermatomycosis.
3. Iodine solution is commonly used in dermatology for its fungicidal properties.
4. Formalin, methylene blue, and brilliant green do not contain halogens or have fungicidal properties.
Summary:
- Formalin is a disinfectant, not an antiseptic for dermatomycosis.
- Methylene blue is an antifungal dye, not used as an antiseptic.
- Brilliant green is an antiseptic, but does not contain halogens or have fungicidal properties.
A patient with a sore throat and fever had a throat culture revealing Gram-positive cocci in chains. The bacteria were beta-hemolytic. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Streptococcus pyogenes
- B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- C. Enterococcus faecalis
- D. Staphylococcus aureus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes.
1. Gram-positive cocci in chains suggest streptococci.
2. Beta-hemolytic activity indicates Streptococcus pyogenes.
3. Streptococcus pyogenes is commonly associated with sore throat (pharyngitis) and fever.
4. Streptococcus pneumoniae (choice B) is alpha-hemolytic and mainly causes pneumonia.
5. Enterococcus faecalis (choice C) is not typically associated with sore throat.
6. Staphylococcus aureus (choice D) is not commonly beta-hemolytic and is not a typical cause of pharyngitis.