Nokea
A wound culture from a patient with an infected ulcer revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The bacteria were catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Staphylococcus epidermidis
- B. Staphylococcus aureus
- C. Streptococcus pyogenes
- D. Enterococcus faecalis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters, catalase-positive, and coagulase-negative characteristics indicate Staphylococcus species. Specifically, Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common skin commensal and a frequent cause of wound infections. Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive, making it less likely in this scenario. Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis are both Gram-positive cocci but are catalase-negative, making them less likely causative agents.
You may also like to solve these questions
Nigrosin is a stain used in:
- A. simple staining
- B. gram staining
- C. negative staining
- D. acid-fast staining
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nigrosin is used in negative staining, where the background is stained instead of the cells themselves. This technique helps highlight the morphology and structure of cells that may be damaged by traditional staining methods. Nigrosin is negatively charged and repels the negatively charged bacterial cells, resulting in a clear halo around the cells. This process is particularly useful for observing capsules and determining cell size and shape. The other options are incorrect because simple staining uses a single dye to color the entire cell, gram staining involves a series of dyes to differentiate between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and acid-fast staining is used to detect acid-fast organisms like Mycobacterium.
Mesophylic bacteria are with temperature optimum:
- A. 25-37 °C
- B. 55-65 °C
- C. 15-18 °C
- D. 38-45 °C
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (25-37 °C) because mesophilic bacteria thrive best at moderate temperatures typical of most environments, making 25-37 °C their optimum range. This range allows for optimal enzyme activity and growth. Choice B (55-65 °C) is incorrect as it is more suitable for thermophilic bacteria. Choice C (15-18 °C) is too low for mesophiles to thrive efficiently. Choice D (38-45 °C) is too high and is more suitable for thermophiles. Ultimately, the correct answer aligns with the typical temperature range where mesophilic bacteria are most active and abundant.
Fungi that help the roots of plants to absorb minerals and water from the soil are:
- A. decomposers
- B. mycorrhizae
- C. yeasts
- D. molds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae are symbiotic fungi that form a mutualistic relationship with plant roots, aiding in the absorption of minerals and water. They enhance the plant's nutrient uptake capacity, promoting plant growth and health. Decomposers (A) break down dead organic matter, yeasts (C) are single-celled fungi used in fermentation, and molds (D) are fungi that grow in multicellular filaments. These options do not specifically assist plant roots in mineral and water absorption like mycorrhizae do.
Which of the following statements for S. Aureus is FALSE
- A. it is always susceptible for penicillin
- B. around its colonies there is a beta hemolytic zone
- C. it produces hemolysins, leucocidins, enterotoxins
- D. has a positive catalase reaction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because Staphylococcus aureus can develop resistance to penicillin over time due to the production of beta-lactamase enzymes. This resistance mechanism makes it no longer susceptible to penicillin. The other choices are correct: B) S. aureus can produce beta hemolysis, C) it produces various toxins like hemolysins, leucocidins, and enterotoxins, and D) it shows a positive catalase reaction due to the presence of catalase enzyme that converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen.
Microscopic examination of a microbial culture revealed fusiform spore-forming microorganisms that get violet-blue Gram's stain. What microorganisms were revealed?
- A. Clostridia
- B. Streptococci
- C. Spirochaete
- D. Actinomycete
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridia. Fusiform spore-forming microorganisms that stain violet-blue with Gram's stain are characteristic of Clostridia. Clostridia are anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria known for their ability to form spores and cause diseases such as tetanus and botulism.
Summary of other choices:
B: Streptococci are spherical, not fusiform, and typically do not form spores.
C: Spirochaete are spiral-shaped bacteria and do not typically form spores.
D: Actinomycete are filamentous bacteria that do not typically form spores and do not stain violet-blue with Gram's stain.