A wound culture revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The bacteria were catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. What is the most likely microorganism?
- 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 indicates a staphylococcal species. The fact that the bacteria are catalase-positive and coagulase-negative further narrow it down to Staphylococcus epidermidis, as this species fits all the given characteristics.
- Choice B, Staphylococcus aureus, is coagulase-positive.
- Choice C, Streptococcus pyogenes, is a streptococcal species, not staphylococcal.
- Choice D, Enterococcus faecalis, is a Gram-positive cocci but is catalase-negative and not typically found in clusters.
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Enzymatic reactions can be expressed in which of the following chemical notations?
- A. S + P = E
- B. P + P = E
- C. E + S = P
- D. S + S = P
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: E + S = P. This notation represents the interaction between an enzyme (E) and a substrate (S) resulting in a product (P). Enzymes facilitate chemical reactions by binding to substrates and converting them into products. Choice A is incorrect because it does not include the enzyme in the reaction. Choice B is incorrect as it involves two substrates binding to the enzyme, not a substrate converting to a product. Choice D is incorrect as it shows two substrates reacting to form a product without involvement of an enzyme. Thus, choice C accurately represents the process of enzymatic reactions involving enzymes, substrates, and products.
In which of the following cases of immune reactions a large lattice is formed?
- A. Antibody is in excess
- B. Antigens and antibodies are in optimal proportion
- C. Antigen is in excess
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in immune reactions, a large lattice is formed when antigens and antibodies are in optimal proportion. This optimal ratio allows for the formation of a strong antigen-antibody complex, leading to the aggregation of immune complexes into large lattice structures. When antibodies are in excess (choice A), there may not be enough antigens to form a stable lattice. Similarly, when antigens are in excess (choice C), there may be insufficient antibodies to form a strong lattice. Choice D is incorrect because the optimal proportion of antigens and antibodies is crucial for the formation of large lattices in immune reactions.
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the:
- A. feet
- B. scalp
- C. mouth
- D. hands
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: scalp. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection that specifically affects the scalp. This infection is caused by dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments. It typically presents with symptoms such as scaling, itching, and hair loss on the scalp. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because tinea pedis (athlete's foot) affects the feet, oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth, and tinea manuum affects the hands. By process of elimination and understanding the specific characteristics of tinea capitis, we can determine that the scalp is the correct location for this fungal infection.
Bacteria that use oxygen, but only at low concentration, are classified as:
- A. obligate aerobes
- B. microaerophiles
- C. obligate anaerobes
- D. aerotolerant anaerobes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: microaerophiles. These bacteria require oxygen to grow, but only at low concentrations as higher levels can be toxic. They possess enzymes to deal with reactive oxygen species. Obligate aerobes (A) require oxygen for growth, obligate anaerobes (C) cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, and aerotolerant anaerobes (D) can tolerate oxygen but do not use it for growth.
Which of the following bacteria can cause meningitis?
- A. Neisseria meningitidis
- B. Haemophilus influenzae
- C. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above." Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are all bacteria known to cause meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of bacterial meningitis in young adults, Haemophilus influenzae type b is a common cause in children, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause in adults and the elderly. Therefore, all three bacteria can potentially cause meningitis depending on the age group and other factors. The other choices are incorrect because each of the bacteria listed can cause meningitis, so selecting only one of them would be incorrect.