A sputum smear from a patient with pneumonia revealed Gram-positive diplococci with a capsule. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- B. Klebsiella pneumoniae
- C. Neisseria meningitidis
- D. Staphylococcus aureus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia and is characterized by Gram-positive diplococci with a capsule. The presence of a capsule helps the bacterium evade the immune system and contributes to its virulence. Klebsiella pneumoniae (B) is a Gram-negative bacterium and does not typically have a capsule. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus and is associated with meningitis, not pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus (D) is a Gram-positive bacterium, but it does not typically present as diplococci with a capsule in a sputum smear from a pneumonia patient.
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Streptococcus pyogenes releases:
- A. Enterotoxin
- B. Streptolysin
- C. Staphylocoagulase
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Streptolysin. Streptolysin is a toxin released by Streptococcus pyogenes that causes lysis of red blood cells and contributes to the pathogenicity of the bacteria. Enterotoxin (Choice A) is typically produced by Staphylococcus aureus, not Streptococcus pyogenes. Staphylocoagulase (Choice C) is an enzyme produced by Staphylococcus aureus to promote blood clot formation and is not associated with Streptococcus pyogenes. Therefore, the correct answer is B as Streptolysin is the toxin released by Streptococcus pyogenes.
Infection caused by the genus Candida can be successfully treated with:
- A. Penicillins
- B. Cephalosporins of third generation
- C. Nystatin
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C (Nystatin) is the correct answer:
1. Nystatin is an antifungal medication specifically effective against Candida infections.
2. Candida is a type of fungus, not a bacteria targeted by penicillins (choice A) or cephalosporins (choice B).
3. Nystatin works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, leading to its death.
4. Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect as Nystatin is a suitable treatment option for Candida infections.
Decontamination is defined as the
- A. killing of all microorganisms in a given area.
- B. reduction or removal of unwanted chemical or biological agents.
- C. stopping of the growth of microorganisms in a given area.
- D. removal of all vegetative organisms.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Decontamination is the reduction or removal of unwanted chemical or biological agents to make an area safe. This includes cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing to eliminate harmful substances. Choice A is incorrect as decontamination doesn't necessarily involve killing all microorganisms. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on stopping growth, not removing existing contaminants. Choice D is incorrect as it specifically mentions vegetative organisms, which may not cover all types of contaminants that need to be removed during decontamination. Thus, the correct answer is B as it accurately describes the process of decontamination.
Enzymes used in ELISA are those except:
- A. Î’-lactamase
- B. Alkaline phosphatase
- C. Horseradish peroxidase
- D. Î’- galactosidase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Β-lactamase. In ELISA, enzymes like alkaline phosphatase, horseradish peroxidase, and Β-galactosidase are commonly used as labels to detect the presence of specific molecules. Β-lactamase is not typically used in ELISA as it is an enzyme used to hydrolyze β-lactam antibiotics. Therefore, it does not serve the purpose of detecting specific molecules in ELISA. Alkaline phosphatase, horseradish peroxidase, and Β-galactosidase are preferred enzymes in ELISA due to their ability to produce a detectable signal when bound to specific molecules.
A man is ill with a protozoan disease characterized by cerebral affection and loss of sight. Blood analysis revealed halfmoon-shaped unicellular organisms with pointed ends. This disease is caused by:
- A. Toxoplasma B.Leishmania C.Lamblia D.Amoeba E.Trichomonad
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Toxoplasma. Toxoplasma gondii causes Toxoplasmosis, a protozoan disease that can affect the brain and lead to vision loss. The halfmoon-shaped unicellular organisms with pointed ends described in the blood analysis are characteristic of Toxoplasma parasites. Toxoplasma infection commonly occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or contact with infected cat feces. Leishmania causes Leishmaniasis, Lamblia causes Giardiasis, Amoeba causes Amebiasis, and Trichomonad causes Trichomoniasis, none of which match the symptoms and blood analysis findings described in the question.