Microscopic examination of a smear from a patient with gas gangrene revealed Gram-positive rods producing spores. What microorganism was identified?
- A. Clostridium perfringens
- B. Clostridium tetani
- C. Bacillus anthracis
- D. Clostridium botulinum
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium perfringens. Gas gangrene is caused by Clostridium perfringens, a Gram-positive rod bacterium that produces spores. This bacterium is anaerobic and commonly found in soil, where it forms spores that can survive harsh conditions. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not gas gangrene. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, not gas gangrene. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, not gas gangrene. Therefore, based on the characteristics of the microorganism described in the question, Clostridium perfringens is the correct identification.
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Which structure allows bacteria to survive in adverse conditions?
- A. Flagella
- B. Capsule
- C. Endospore
- D. Pili
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Endospore. Endospores are dormant, tough, and non-reproductive structures formed by certain bacteria as a response to unfavorable conditions. They help bacteria survive harsh environments such as extreme temperatures, desiccation, and exposure to harmful chemicals. The other choices, Flagella (A), Capsule (B), and Pili (D), do not directly contribute to bacterial survival in adverse conditions. Flagella aid in bacterial movement, capsules provide protection from immune system attacks, and pili are involved in attachment to surfaces or other cells. Endospores are specifically designed for survival during unfavorable conditions, making them the correct choice in this scenario.
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.
Which of the following bacteria can be transmitted via droplets in the air?
- A. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- B. Escherichia coli
- C. Clostridium botulinum
- D. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium can be transmitted via droplets in the air through coughing or sneezing. It is spread through respiratory droplets containing the bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae (A) is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory secretions, not through droplets in the air. Escherichia coli (B) is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water, not through the air. Clostridium botulinum (C) is typically transmitted through contaminated food, not via respiratory droplets. Therefore, the correct choice is D as it is the only bacterium listed that can be transmitted via droplets in the air.
The process of bacterial conjugation involves:
- A. DNA transfer via bacteriophage
- B. Uptake of naked DNA from the environment
- C. Direct transfer of DNA between two bacterial cells
- D. Binary fission
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Direct transfer of DNA between two bacterial cells. In bacterial conjugation, genetic material is transferred directly from one bacterial cell to another through a conjugative pilus. This process involves physical contact between the cells, followed by the transfer of plasmid DNA or chromosomal DNA. This mechanism allows for the exchange of genetic information between bacteria, leading to genetic diversity.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
A: DNA transfer via bacteriophage - Bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria and transfers its genetic material, but this is not the mechanism involved in bacterial conjugation.
B: Uptake of naked DNA from the environment - This process is known as transformation, where bacteria take up free DNA from the environment, but it is not specific to bacterial conjugation.
D: Binary fission - Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in bacteria where a single cell divides into two identical cells, and it is not related to the process
Drug of first choice for the treatment of syphilis is:
- A. Gentamicin
- B. Penicillin
- C. Ciprofloxacin
- D. Chloramphenicol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Penicillin. Penicillin is the drug of first choice for treating syphilis due to its effectiveness in eradicating the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis. It is the most reliable treatment with well-established efficacy. Gentamicin (A), ciprofloxacin (C), and chloramphenicol (D) are not recommended for treating syphilis as they are not effective against the specific bacteria causing the infection. Penicillin remains the gold standard for syphilis treatment.