Which bacteria are capable of producing an exotoxin that causes severe diarrhea?
- A. Escherichia coli
- B. Clostridium botulinum
- C. Vibrio cholerae
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed are capable of producing exotoxins that can cause severe diarrhea. Escherichia coli can produce toxins that lead to diarrhea. Clostridium botulinum produces a neurotoxin causing botulism, which can also result in diarrhea. Vibrio cholerae is known for producing cholera toxin, a potent exotoxin that causes severe watery diarrhea. The other choices are incorrect because each bacterium listed is capable of producing a toxin that can cause diarrhea.
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On the territory of a certain region the mass death of rodents was observed. It was assumed that it may be caused by plague agent. What serological reaction should be applied for quick determination of antigen of this epizootic agent?
- A. Precipitation reaction
- B. Agglutination reaction
- C. Reaction of passive hemagglutination
- D. Bordet-Gengou test
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Agglutination reaction. This is the most suitable serological reaction for the quick determination of the antigen of the epizootic agent causing mass rodent deaths. In agglutination reaction, antibodies cause the clumping of antigens, allowing for easy visual detection of the presence of the specific antigen. This is efficient for rapid diagnosis in cases of suspected infectious diseases like plague.
A: Precipitation reaction is more suitable for identifying soluble antigens, not for quick determination of a specific antigen in this scenario.
C: Reaction of passive hemagglutination is used for measuring the presence of antibodies, not antigens.
D: Bordet-Gengou test is a specific test for the identification of Bordetella pertussis bacterium, not suitable for this scenario.
A patient with abdominal pain had a stool culture revealing non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rods that produced gas in a nutrient broth. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Salmonella typhi
- B. Shigella dysenteriae
- C. Escherichia coli
- D. Proteus vulgaris
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Proteus vulgaris. This is because Proteus species are non-lactose-fermenting Gram-negative rods that are known to produce gas in nutrient broths. Proteus vulgaris is commonly associated with urinary tract infections and can also cause abdominal infections.
A: Salmonella typhi typically causes typhoid fever and is not known to produce gas in nutrient broths.
B: Shigella dysenteriae is a causative agent of dysentery and does not typically produce gas in nutrient broths.
C: Escherichia coli is a lactose-fermenting bacterium and does not fit the description of the organism in the stool culture.
The primary stage of syphilis is usually manifested as:
- A. Diffuse maculopapular rush
- B. Purulent exudation from the urethra
- C. Syphilitic granulomas (gummas)
- D. Non-tender chancre (ulcus durum)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Non-tender chancre (ulcus durum). In the primary stage of syphilis, an individual typically develops a painless ulcer known as a chancre at the site of infection. This ulcer is usually firm, round, and clean with well-defined borders. It is important to note that it is non-tender, which distinguishes it from other skin conditions. This characteristic helps healthcare providers differentiate syphilis from other sexually transmitted infections.
Explanation for other choices:
A: Diffuse maculopapular rash - This is more commonly associated with secondary syphilis.
B: Purulent exudation from the urethra - This is not a typical presentation of primary syphilis.
C: Syphilitic granulomas (gummas) - Gummas typically develop in the tertiary stage of syphilis, not in the primary stage.
A patient presents with diarrhea and dehydration. A fecal smear stained by Gram's method revealed Gram-negative, comma-shaped bacteria. What is the causative agent?
- A. Vibrio cholerae
- B. Salmonella typhi
- C. Shigella dysenteriae
- D. Escherichia coli
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of cholera, which presents with severe watery diarrhea leading to dehydration. The characteristic comma-shaped (curved rod) appearance of Gram-negative bacteria is typical of Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium produces the cholera toxin, leading to the excessive secretion of fluid into the intestines. Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever with symptoms like sustained fever, not watery diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Escherichia coli can cause various types of infections, but typically not severe watery diarrhea like cholera.
The bacterial component targeted by penicillin is:
- A. DNA
- B. Plasma membrane
- C. Cell wall
- D. Ribosomes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cell wall. Penicillin targets the cell wall of bacteria by inhibiting the formation of peptidoglycan, a crucial component of the cell wall. This weakens the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis. Choice A (DNA) is incorrect because penicillin does not directly target DNA. Choice B (Plasma membrane) is incorrect as penicillin primarily affects the cell wall, not the plasma membrane. Choice D (Ribosomes) is incorrect because penicillin does not target bacterial ribosomes, which are involved in protein synthesis.