The most important mechanism of tetracycline resistance is
- A. Reduced active influx by alteration of transport molecules
- B. Reduced passive influx due to altered cell membrane components
- C. Increased active efflux from the bacterial cell
- D. Direct enzymatic inactivation of the antibiotic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased active efflux from the bacterial cell. This is the most important mechanism of tetracycline resistance because it involves the bacteria actively pumping out the antibiotic, reducing its intracellular concentration. This prevents tetracycline from effectively targeting bacterial ribosomes. Choice A is incorrect as tetracycline resistance typically involves active efflux rather than reduced influx. Choice B is incorrect because tetracycline resistance mechanisms do not primarily involve altered cell membrane components affecting passive influx. Choice D is also incorrect as tetracycline resistance mechanisms do not typically involve direct enzymatic inactivation of the antibiotic.
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Which of the following bacteria can produce endotoxins that cause septic shock?
- A. Escherichia coli
- B. Salmonella enterica
- C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because all of the mentioned bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are gram-negative bacteria that produce endotoxins in their cell walls. Endotoxins are released when the bacteria are destroyed, leading to the activation of the immune system and potentially causing septic shock. Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are common causes of gastrointestinal infections, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for causing infections in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, all three bacteria can produce endotoxins that contribute to septic shock. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these bacteria individually can produce endotoxins that lead to septic shock.
A blood culture from a patient with sepsis revealed Gram-negative diplococci. The bacteria were oxidase-positive and fermentative. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Neisseria meningitidis
- B. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- C. Moraxella catarrhalis
- D. Haemophilus influenzae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. Step 1: Gram-negative diplococci - characteristic of Neisseria species. Step 2: Oxidase-positive - Neisseria species are oxidase-positive. Step 3: Fermentative - Neisseria meningitidis is a fermentative bacterium. Therefore, Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative agent.
Summary:
- B: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is also a Neisseria species but is not fermentative.
- C: Moraxella catarrhalis is oxidase-positive but not fermentative.
- D: Haemophilus influenzae is not a Neisseria species and is not typically fermentative.
A female patient has symptoms of inflammation of urogenital tracts. A smear from the vaginal mucous membrane contained big unicellular pyriform organisms with a sharp spike on the back end of their bodies; big nucleus and undulating membrane. What protozoa were revealed in the smear?
- A. Trichomonas vaginalis
- B. Trichomonas hominis
- C. Trichomonas buccalis
- D. Trypanosoma gambiense
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection characterized by inflammation of urogenital tracts. The description of big unicellular pyriform organisms with a sharp spike on the back end of their bodies, big nucleus, and undulating membrane matches the morphology of Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonas hominis and Trichomonas buccalis are different species that do not cause urogenital infections. Trypanosoma gambiense is a protozoan parasite causing African trypanosomiasis and does not match the described morphology or symptoms.
Which type of bacteria are capable of surviving in high salt concentrations?
- A. Acidophiles
- B. Thermophiles
- C. Halophiles
- D. Mesophiles
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C: Halophiles
Rationale:
1. Halophiles are bacteria adapted to high salt environments.
2. They have specific mechanisms to tolerate high salt concentrations.
3. Acidophiles thrive in acidic conditions.
4. Thermophiles prefer high temperature environments.
5. Mesophiles grow best at moderate temperatures.
A patient's sputum was stained using Ziehl-Neelsen method, which revealed red-colored bacilli on a blue background. What structural component of the cell is responsible for this staining property?
- A. Mycolic acid
- B. Capsule
- C. Flagella
- D. Endospores
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycolic acid. Ziehl-Neelsen method is used to stain acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium species. Mycolic acid in the cell wall of these bacteria resists decolorization, leading to red-colored bacilli on a blue background. Capsule, flagella, and endospores do not play a role in this staining property. Capsules are usually stained using special techniques, flagella are not typically visible with this stain, and endospores are stained using the Schaeffer-Fulton method.