Nokea
When a smear is stained by Burri-Gins method a mucous structure that is tightly bound with the cellular wall of bacteria and has well-defined outer boundaries can be detected. This element of a bacteria cell is called:
- A. Capsule
- B. Spore
- C. Filaments
- D. Ribosomes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Capsule. A capsule is a mucous structure tightly bound to the bacterial cell wall with distinct outer boundaries. This structure helps bacteria evade the host immune system, resist desiccation, and adhere to surfaces. In contrast, spores are resistant structures formed by certain bacteria for survival, filaments are long chains of bacterial cells, and ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. Therefore, based on the characteristics described in the question, the most appropriate choice is A: Capsule.
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Which structure in bacteria is used for attachment to surfaces?
- A. Flagella
- B. Fimbriae
- C. Pili
- D. Capsule
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fimbriae. Fimbriae are short, hair-like appendages on the surface of bacteria that help in attachment to surfaces. They aid in colonization and biofilm formation. Flagella (A) are used for motility. Pili (C) are longer appendages used for conjugation and adherence to other cells. Capsules (D) are protective structures that aid in evading the host immune system, not necessarily for attachment.
Which of the following viruses could be reactivated under immunosuppressive therapy?
- A. Virus Parotitidis
- B. Rubella virus
- C. Influenza A
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, "None of the above," because viruses like Parotitidis (mumps), Rubella, and Influenza A are not typically associated with reactivation under immunosuppressive therapy. Reactivation is more commonly seen in latent viruses like herpesviruses (e.g., herpes simplex, varicella-zoster), cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. These viruses can remain dormant in the body and reactivate when the immune system is compromised. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as the viruses mentioned in choices A, B, and C do not fit the criteria for reactivation under immunosuppressive therapy.
The mold that produces penicillin is an example of:
- A. parasitism
- B. mutualism
- C. commensalism
- D. amensalism
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: amensalism. Penicillin mold produces a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria, but it does not benefit nor harm the bacteria directly. This relationship is characterized by one organism (the mold) negatively affecting another (the bacteria) without any benefit or harm to itself. In parasitism (A), one organism benefits at the expense of another. In mutualism (B), both organisms benefit from the relationship. In commensalism (C), one organism benefits while the other is unaffected. Therefore, the mold producing penicillin fits the definition of amensalism.
A patient with a productive cough and fever had a sputum smear revealing Gram-positive cocci in clusters. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Staphylococcus aureus
- B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- C. Neisseria meningitidis
- D. Klebsiella pneumoniae
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive cocci bacterium that forms clusters and commonly causes pneumonia with a productive cough and fever. It is frequently found in sputum smears in such cases. Streptococcus pneumoniae (B) is another common cause of pneumonia but typically appears in pairs or chains, not clusters. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus that causes meningitis, not pneumonia. Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is a Gram-negative bacterium that can cause pneumonia but appears as Gram-negative rods, not Gram-positive cocci in clusters.
There are several cases of children from boarding school suffering from sore throat. Microscopy of tonsil smears stained according Neisser method has revealed thin yellow bacilli with dark brown grains on their ends placed in the shape of Roman numeral five. What infection can be suspected in this case?
- A. Diphtheria
- B. Scarlet fever
- C. Listeriosis
- D. Tonsilitis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A (Diphtheria):
1. Thin yellow bacilli with dark brown grains on ends suggest Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characteristic of diphtheria.
2. Roman numeral five shape is typical of diphtheria bacilli.
3. Diphtheria causes sore throat and can spread in boarding schools.
4. Neisser staining method is used for diphtheria bacilli.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Scarlet fever is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and presents with rash, not yellow bacilli.
C: Listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, not consistent with the described findings.
D: Tonsillitis can be caused by various bacteria or viruses, but the specific characteristics described do not match.