Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including:
- A. vegetative cells only
- B. viruses only
- C. spores
- D. protozoa only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including their spores, which are the most resistant form of microbial life. Spores have a tough outer coating that protects them from harsh conditions, making them more difficult to destroy compared to vegetative cells, viruses, and protozoa. Therefore, the correct answer is C because sterilization targets and eliminates all forms of microorganisms, including spores. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because sterilization goes beyond just targeting vegetative cells, viruses, or protozoa; it aims to eliminate all microorganisms present.
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Which bacteria are capable of forming endospores?
- A. Staphylococcus aureus
- B. Clostridium tetani
- C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- D. Escherichia coli
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clostridium tetani. Endospores are formed by certain bacteria as a survival mechanism in harsh conditions. Clostridium species, including C. tetani, have the ability to form endospores. Staphylococcus aureus (A), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (C), and Escherichia coli (D) do not produce endospores. Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive cocci bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a gram-negative diplococci bacterium, and Escherichia coli is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium. Therefore, the correct choice is Clostridium tetani as it is known for its ability to form endospores.
On the 15-th day after a minor trauma of the right foot a patient felt malaise, fatigability, irritability, headache, high body temperature, feeling of compression, tension and muscular twitching of his right crus. What disease can it be?
- A. Tetanus
- B. Anaerobic gas gangrene
- C. Erysipelas
- D. Acute thrombophlebitis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetanus. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produces a toxin affecting the nervous system. Symptoms such as malaise, irritability, muscular twitching, and high body temperature are characteristic of tetanus due to muscle spasms and rigidity. The 15-day incubation period after trauma aligns with the typical onset of tetanus symptoms.
Incorrect choices:
B: Anaerobic gas gangrene - This condition usually presents with localized tissue necrosis and gas bubbles in the affected area, not systemic symptoms like malaise and headache.
C: Erysipelas - This is a bacterial skin infection presenting with red, swollen patches, not the neurological symptoms seen in tetanus.
D: Acute thrombophlebitis - This is a blood clot in a vein causing pain and swelling, not associated with the systemic symptoms and muscle twitching seen in tetanus.
A patient with suspicion on epidemic typhus was admitted to the hospital. Some arachnids and insects have been found in his flat. Which of them may be a carrier of the pathogen of epidemic typhus?
- A. Lice
- B. Spiders
- C. Bed-bugs
- D. Cockroaches
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lice. Lice, specifically body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis), are known carriers of the pathogen Rickettsia prowazekii, which causes epidemic typhus. Body lice are commonly found in unsanitary conditions and can transmit the bacteria through their bites. Spiders (choice B), bed-bugs (choice C), and cockroaches (choice D) are not known vectors of epidemic typhus. Spiders are predators that do not transmit diseases to humans, while bed-bugs and cockroaches are associated with other health issues but not epidemic typhus transmission.
What structure allows bacteria to exchange genetic material?
- A. Pili
- B. Flagella
- C. Endospores
- D. Capsules
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pili. Pili are hair-like appendages on the surface of bacteria that facilitate the exchange of genetic material through a process called conjugation. During conjugation, bacteria can transfer plasmids and other genetic material to neighboring bacteria through pili. This allows for the exchange of beneficial traits like antibiotic resistance.
Choice B, Flagella, are involved in bacterial movement and not in genetic material exchange. Choice C, Endospores, are protective structures formed by bacteria in response to harsh conditions, but they are not involved in genetic material exchange. Choice D, Capsules, are protective layers around bacteria that help in adherence to surfaces and evasion of the immune system, but they do not play a role in genetic material exchange.
In a bacteriological laboratory some bacterial smears had to be stained by Gram's method. For this purpose the following reagents were prepared: gentian violet, Lugol's solution, aqueous fuchsin solution. What other reagent is required?
- A. 96% ethanol
- B. 5% sulfuric acid
- C. Methylene blue solution
- D. Carbolic fuchsin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 96% ethanol. In Gram's staining method, after applying gentian violet, Lugol's solution, and aqueous fuchsin, the next step is to use a decolorizing agent like 96% ethanol to wash away the excess stain from the Gram-negative bacteria. This step is crucial as it helps differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria based on their cell wall properties. The other choices are incorrect because sulfuric acid is not used in Gram's staining method, methylene blue is typically used in other staining techniques like the simple stain, and carbolic fuchsin is not a standard reagent in the Gram's staining process.