Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are caused by
- A. flavoviruses.
- B. virusoids.
- C. prions.
- D. orthomyxoviruses.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: prions. Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Prions are not viruses like flavoviruses (A) or orthomyxoviruses (D). Virusoids (B) are small, circular, single-stranded RNA molecules that require a helper virus to replicate and are not associated with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Therefore, the correct answer is C as prions are the only choice that correctly links to the etiology of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.
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Almost half of all the STIs diagnosed in the United States are among:
- A. adolescents
- B. young adults
- C. young adults
- D. the elderly
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: young adults. Young adults are at a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to factors such as engaging in risky sexual behaviors, lack of awareness, and inconsistent condom use. They are more likely to have multiple sexual partners and are less likely to seek regular STI screenings. Adolescents, while also at risk, may not make up almost half of all STI cases in the U.S. The elderly, on the other hand, are generally at a lower risk due to lower levels of sexual activity compared to young adults.
Which are the epidemic typhus vectors:
- A. Head lice
- B. Body lice
- C. Fleas
- D. Ticks
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Head lice. Epidemic typhus is transmitted by the body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus, which is different from the head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis. Head lice are not known to transmit epidemic typhus. Body lice are the primary vectors for transmitting epidemic typhus. Fleas are vectors for other diseases such as plague, not epidemic typhus. Ticks are vectors for various diseases but not for epidemic typhus. Therefore, the correct vector for epidemic typhus transmission is body lice, making choice A the correct answer.
A patient with a sore throat and fever had a throat culture revealing Gram-positive cocci in chains. The bacteria were beta-hemolytic. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Streptococcus pyogenes
- B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- C. Enterococcus faecalis
- D. Staphylococcus aureus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes.
1. Gram-positive cocci in chains suggest streptococci.
2. Beta-hemolytic activity indicates Streptococcus pyogenes.
3. Streptococcus pyogenes is commonly associated with sore throat (pharyngitis) and fever.
4. Streptococcus pneumoniae (choice B) is alpha-hemolytic and mainly causes pneumonia.
5. Enterococcus faecalis (choice C) is not typically associated with sore throat.
6. Staphylococcus aureus (choice D) is not commonly beta-hemolytic and is not a typical cause of pharyngitis.
The virulence factors of bacteria include:
- A. size, adhesion, resistance, and mutation
- B. colonization, invasion, toxins, and adhesion
- C. toxins, evasion of body defenses, motility, and size
- D. colonization, chemotaxis, fermentation, and toxins
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is B because virulence factors of bacteria are characteristics that enable them to cause disease. Colonization allows bacteria to establish and multiply in the host. Invasion refers to the ability to penetrate host tissues. Toxins are substances produced by bacteria that harm the host. Adhesion is crucial for bacteria to attach to host cells.
A: Size and mutation are not typical virulence factors. Resistance is not directly related to causing disease.
C: While toxins and evasion of body defenses are correct, motility and size are not universally considered virulence factors.
D: Chemotaxis and fermentation are not primary virulence factors, unlike colonization and toxins.
The organism that is responsible for the vast majority of cases of fungal vaginitis is:
- A. Escherichia coli
- B. Streptococcus agalactiae
- C. Klebsiella oxytoca
- D. Propionibacterium acnes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium is not a fungus, but a common skin bacteria. Fungal vaginitis is typically caused by Candida albicans or other fungal species, not by bacteria like Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, or Klebsiella oxytoca. Propionibacterium acnes is not associated with vaginal infections, making it the correct answer in this context.