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.
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Which of the following is a primary function of bacterial capsules?
- A. Energy production
- B. Protection from desiccation
- C. Adhesion and immune evasion
- D. DNA replication
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Adhesion and immune evasion. Bacterial capsules serve as a protective layer that aids in adhesion to surfaces and host cells, allowing bacteria to colonize and evade the immune system. This function is crucial for bacterial survival and pathogenicity. Choices A and D are incorrect because energy production and DNA replication are not primary functions of bacterial capsules. Choice B is incorrect because while bacterial capsules do provide some protection from desiccation, their primary function lies in adhesion and immune evasion.
While examining the feces of a patient with diarrhea, cysts with four nuclei were found. What protozoan is most likely causing the condition?
- A. Entamoeba histolytica
- B. Lamblia
- C. Trichomonas
- D. Balantidium
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This protozoan causes amoebiasis, which presents with symptoms like diarrhea. The cysts with four nuclei found in the feces are characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica. This protozoan is known to cause invasive infection, leading to tissue destruction and ulcers in the intestines. Lamblia (choice B) typically presents with cysts containing two nuclei. Trichomonas (choice C) is a sexually transmitted parasite and does not form cysts. Balantidium (choice D) is a ciliated protozoan that does not have four nuclei in its cyst form.
Which of the following is not a bacterial antibiotic resistance mechanism
- A. Reduced permeability
- B. Cell-wall regrowth
- C. Over-expression of target
- D. c) Efflux pump
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cell-wall regrowth. This is not a bacterial antibiotic resistance mechanism because antibiotics target specific components in bacteria, such as cell wall synthesis, making regrowth impossible in the presence of antibiotics. Reduced permeability (A) decreases antibiotic entry, Over-expression of target (C) reduces antibiotic effectiveness, and Efflux pump (D) actively removes antibiotics from the cell, all contributing to antibiotic resistance. In summary, cell-wall regrowth is not a mechanism of antibiotic resistance, unlike the other choices that actively promote bacterial survival against antibiotics.
When examining a patient presumptively diagnosed with food toxicoinfection, a doctor on duty has detected symptoms characteristic of botulism. The patient named the meals he ate the day before. What is the most probable cause of infection?
- A. Homemade canned meat
- B. Custard pastry from a private bakery
- C. Sour cream from a local dairy factory
- D. Strawberries from a suburban vegetable garden
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Homemade canned meat. Botulism is caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which thrives in low-oxygen environments like improperly canned food. Homemade canned meat poses a higher risk of contamination as it may not have been processed correctly, allowing the bacteria to grow and produce toxins. Custard pastry, sour cream, and strawberries are less likely to cause botulism as they are not typically associated with the bacteria unless improperly handled or stored. Homemade canned meat is the most probable cause based on the characteristic symptoms of botulism and the conditions that favor the growth of Clostridium botulinum in canned food.
Which of the following is characteristic of obligate anaerobes?
- A. They require oxygen to survive
- B. They can survive in the presence or absence of oxygen
- C. They cannot tolerate oxygen
- D. They prefer low levels of oxygen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Obligate anaerobes cannot tolerate oxygen. They lack the enzymes needed to detoxify reactive oxygen species generated in the presence of oxygen. This makes them unable to survive in oxygen-rich environments. Choice A is incorrect because obligate anaerobes do not require oxygen to survive. Choice B is incorrect because obligate anaerobes specifically require the absence of oxygen. Choice D is incorrect because obligate anaerobes cannot even tolerate low levels of oxygen.