What is the primary mode of transmission for tetanus?
- A. Ingestion of contaminated food
- B. Inhalation of droplets
- C. Contaminated wounds
- D. Direct physical contact
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Contaminated wounds. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through breaks in the skin such as wounds or cuts. The bacteria produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Ingestion of contaminated food (choice A) is not a mode of transmission for tetanus. Inhalation of droplets (choice B) is more relevant for respiratory infections. Direct physical contact (choice D) is not the primary mode of transmission for tetanus as the bacteria need a portal of entry such as a wound to cause infection.
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Etiological factors for the infectious diseases are often microorganisms with various ultrastructure. Which of the following microorganism groups relates to the eukaryotes?
- A. Protozoa
- B. Viruses
- C. Viroids
- D. Prions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protozoa. Protozoa are eukaryotic microorganisms, meaning they have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. This relates to the question as eukaryotes are organisms with complex cells containing these features. Viruses (B) are non-living entities that require a host cell to replicate, lacking cellular structures. Viroids (C) are smaller than viruses and consist of only RNA, lacking a protein coat. Prions (D) are misfolded proteins causing diseases but are not considered microorganisms nor do they have cellular structure. Thus, protozoa are the only eukaryotic microorganism group among the options.
By precipitation of tuberculin, a purified protein derivative (PPD) is obtained. It is used in:
- A. Mantoux test
- B. Schick test
- C. Dick test
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mantoux test. The Mantoux test is used to screen for tuberculosis by injecting PPD intradermally. The presence of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction indicates prior exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Schick test (B) is used to test for immunity to diphtheria, while the Dick test (C) is used to test for immunity to scarlet fever. Therefore, the correct use of PPD is in the Mantoux test for tuberculosis screening.
A patient has a suspected pneumonia. In his sputum there were revealed gram-positive diplococci, prolonged with the slightly pointed opposite ends. What microorganisms are revealed in the sputum?
- A. Staphylococcus aureus
- B. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- C. Neisseria meningitidis
- D. Streptococcus pneumonia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The description matches that of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which appears as gram-positive diplococci with slightly pointed opposite ends. Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Neisseria meningitidis do not match the specific characteristics described in the question. Staphylococcus aureus appears in grape-like clusters, while Neisseria species are typically seen as diplococci but lack the pointed shape described. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus.
Which bacteria produces an enterotoxin that causes diarrhea?
- A. Vibrio cholerae
- B. Clostridium botulinum
- C. Escherichia coli
- D. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium produces the cholera toxin, an enterotoxin that causes profuse watery diarrhea by disrupting the normal function of the intestines. Vibrio cholerae is specifically known for causing cholera, a severe diarrheal disease. Clostridium botulinum (B) produces botulinum toxin, causing botulism (paralysis, not diarrhea). Escherichia coli (C) can produce enterotoxins, but the question specifies a specific enterotoxin causing diarrhea, which is not a characteristic of all strains of E. coli. Streptococcus pneumoniae (D) is a common cause of respiratory infections but does not produce an enterotoxin causing diarrhea.
The Gram stain is used to differentiate bacteria based on:
- A. Cell shape
- B. Cell wall structure
- C. Flagella composition
- D. Nutrient requirements
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Gram stain differentiates bacteria based on cell wall structure. It classifies bacteria into Gram-positive (purple) and Gram-negative (pink) based on the presence of peptidoglycan in the cell wall. This method helps in identifying the bacterial species and determining appropriate treatment. Option A (Cell shape) is incorrect because the Gram stain focuses on cell wall composition, not cell shape. Option C (Flagella composition) is incorrect as the Gram stain does not assess flagella. Option D (Nutrient requirements) is incorrect as it does not relate to the purpose of the Gram stain.