Nokea
The key diagnostic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheriae is:
- A. formation of spores
- B. presence of metachromatic granules
- C. production of coagulase
- D. beta-hemolysis on blood agar
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: presence of metachromatic granules. This is because Corynebacterium diphtheriae is known for containing metachromatic granules, which are characteristic of this species. These granules can be observed under a microscope and aid in the identification of the bacteria.
Explanation of other choices:
A: formation of spores - Corynebacterium diphtheriae does not form spores. Spore formation is more commonly seen in bacteria such as Bacillus and Clostridium species.
C: production of coagulase - Coagulase production is a characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus, not Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
D: beta-hemolysis on blood agar - Corynebacterium diphtheriae does not exhibit beta-hemolysis on blood agar. This type of hemolysis is more typical of Streptococcus pyogenes.
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Which of the following bacteria produces a neurotoxin that causes botulism?
- A. Clostridium botulinum
- B. Clostridium tetani
- C. Escherichia coli
- D. Staphylococcus aureus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum produces the neurotoxin that causes botulism. This bacterium thrives in anaerobic conditions and contaminated food. The neurotoxin blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle paralysis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Escherichia coli can cause food poisoning but not botulism, and Staphylococcus aureus produces enterotoxins causing food poisoning, not botulism.
Psychrophiles are also referred to as:
- A. cryophiles
- B. thermophiles
- C. mesophiles
- D. psychrotrophs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: cryophiles. Psychrophiles are microorganisms that thrive in cold temperatures. The prefix "cryo-" means cold, which accurately describes the environment in which these organisms grow. Choice B, thermophiles, are organisms that thrive in high temperatures. Choice C, mesophiles, grow best at moderate temperatures. Choice D, psychrotrophs, are organisms that can grow at refrigeration temperatures but have an optimal growth temperature range different from psychrophiles.
A patient with pneumonia had sputum cultured on Endo agar, revealing red colonies. The bacteria were Gram-negative rods. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Escherichia coli
- B. Klebsiella pneumoniae
- C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- D. Proteus mirabilis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for correct answer (A: Escherichia coli):
1. Endo agar selects for Gram-negative bacteria.
2. Red colonies on Endo agar indicate lactose fermentation, characteristic of E. coli.
3. E. coli is a common cause of pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
- B: Klebsiella pneumoniae: Typically forms mucoid colonies on agar.
- C: Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Produces characteristic greenish-blue colonies on agar.
- D: Proteus mirabilis: Does not typically ferment lactose, so would not produce red colonies on Endo agar.
For the specific prophylaxis of rabies it is NOT CORRECT that
- A. Ab against rabies virus can be found 14-15 days after immunization
- B. Reinfection is not possible
- C. HRIG (human rabies immunoglobulin) is applied in the first few hours after possible infection
- D. Six (5+1) doses of an inactivated vaccine are applied
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because reinfection is indeed possible with rabies virus. Step 1: Reinfection occurs if a person is exposed to the virus again after initial infection. Step 2: Once infected, the virus can remain dormant in the body and become active upon re-exposure. Step 3: Therefore, it is essential to continue preventive measures even after initial immunization. Summary: Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because antibodies develop within 14-15 days post-immunization, HRIG is administered shortly after exposure, and a specific vaccination schedule is followed for rabies prophylaxis, respectively.
Which of the statements below IS NOT CORRECT
- A. an immunocompromised person has to be vaccinated with live vaccines with caution
- B. live vaccines to not revert to virulent form
- C. microbes with many serotypes are difficult to control with vaccination
- D. side effect to vaccination can occur
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because live vaccines can potentially revert to a virulent form, although this is extremely rare. This is due to the live attenuated virus in the vaccine potentially mutating back to a more dangerous form. Live vaccines are designed to be weakened but there is a small risk of reversion. Therefore, statement B is not correct.
A: This statement is correct as immunocompromised individuals may have adverse reactions to live vaccines due to their weakened immune system.
C: This statement is correct as microbes with many serotypes can make it challenging to develop a vaccine that covers all variations.
D: This statement is correct as side effects to vaccination, although usually mild and temporary, can occur in some individuals.