Nokea
Which bacteria produce the diphtheria toxin?
- A. Corynebacterium diphtheriae
- B. Bacillus anthracis
- C. Clostridium tetani
- D. Listeria monocytogenes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium produces the diphtheria toxin, which is responsible for causing diphtheria. The other choices, B, C, and D, are incorrect because Bacillus anthracis produces anthrax toxins, Clostridium tetani produces tetanus toxin, and Listeria monocytogenes does not produce the diphtheria toxin. Understanding the specific bacteria-toxin associations is crucial in correctly identifying the pathogen responsible for a particular disease.
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A patient with a sore throat had a throat smear stained by Neisser's method. Microscopy revealed rods with polar dark blue granules. What microorganism is likely responsible?
- A. Corynebacterium diphtheriae
- B. Bacillus anthracis
- C. Clostridium tetani
- D. Escherichia coli
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The presence of rods with polar dark blue granules stained by Neisser's method indicates metachromatic granules consistent with Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The characteristic staining pattern is due to the presence of polar granules in the bacterial cells, a feature specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium tetani, and Escherichia coli do not exhibit this staining pattern or morphology typical of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, making them incorrect choices.
Flagellin is:
- A. A protein
- B. A carbohydrate
- C. A staining method
- D. An organelle
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Flagellin is a protein component of bacterial flagella. It is not a carbohydrate, staining method, or an organelle. The correct answer is A because flagellin is a structural protein that forms the flagellar filament. It helps in bacterial motility and pathogenicity. Therefore, the correct choice is A.
Which of the following is a folate antagonist?
- A. Methyl Penicillin
- B. Trimethoprim
- C. Vancomycin
- D. Gentamicin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Trimethoprim. Trimethoprim is a folate antagonist that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme essential for folate metabolism in bacteria. This disrupts bacterial DNA synthesis, leading to bacteriostatic effects. Methyl Penicillin (A) is a beta-lactam antibiotic that interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Vancomycin (C) inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding to D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of cell wall precursors. Gentamicin (D) inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome.
The First-line tuberculosis drugs include:
- A. Isoniazid and rifampicin
- B. Penicillin and erythromycin
- C. Trimethoprim and third generation cephalosporins
- D. All the listed above can be used depending on their resistance profile
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Isoniazid and rifampicin. These drugs are considered first-line treatment for tuberculosis due to their high efficacy and low toxicity. Isoniazid targets the cell wall of the tuberculosis bacteria, while rifampicin inhibits RNA synthesis. They are recommended by WHO as the first choice for treating tuberculosis.
Choice B (Penicillin and erythromycin) is incorrect because these antibiotics are not effective against tuberculosis bacteria.
Choice C (Trimethoprim and third generation cephalosporins) is incorrect because they are not considered first-line drugs for tuberculosis treatment.
Choice D (All the listed above can be used depending on their resistance profile) is incorrect because only isoniazid and rifampicin are universally recognized as first-line drugs for tuberculosis regardless of resistance profile.
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.