Which bacterial structure allows for attachment to host cells?
- A. Flagella
- B. Fimbriae
- C. Capsule
- D. Endospore
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fimbriae. Fimbriae are hair-like appendages found on the surface of bacteria that enable attachment to host cells. This attachment is crucial for establishing infection. Flagella (A) are used for movement, not attachment. Capsules (C) provide protection and help evade the host immune system, but do not directly facilitate attachment. Endospores (D) are dormant structures for survival, not for attachment to host cells. Fimbriae specifically aid in adherence to host cells, making them the correct choice in this context.
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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.
The main function of bacterial ribosomes is:
- A. DNA replication
- B. protein synthesis
- C. cell wall synthesis
- D. RNA splicing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: protein synthesis. Bacterial ribosomes are responsible for translating messenger RNA into proteins through a process called translation. Ribosomes are composed of both protein and RNA molecules and facilitate the binding of transfer RNA to the messenger RNA to assemble the amino acids in the correct order to form a protein. DNA replication (A) is carried out by enzymes such as DNA polymerase, not ribosomes. Cell wall synthesis (C) is a process involving enzymes that build the structure of the cell wall in bacteria. RNA splicing (D) is a eukaryotic process that involves removing introns from pre-mRNA molecules, which is not a function of bacterial ribosomes.
Production of auto-antibodies may be due to:
- A. Emergence of mutant clones of B cells
- B. Production of antibodies against hidden tissues
- C. Genetic factors
- D. All of these
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Production of auto-antibodies can be due to various factors. Mutant B cell clones can lead to the production of self-reactive antibodies. Antibodies against hidden tissues can also trigger autoimmune responses. Genetic factors play a crucial role in predisposing individuals to autoimmunity. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as all these factors can contribute to the production of auto-antibodies. Choice A is incorrect as it only addresses one possible cause. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses solely on antibodies against hidden tissues. Choice C is incorrect as it overlooks the other potential reasons for auto-antibody production.
Which of the following is used to test for bacterial antibiotic susceptibility?
- A. Gram stain
- B. Catalase test
- C. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test
- D. Endospore stain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. This test is used to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria by measuring the zone of inhibition around antibiotic-soaked paper disks. It helps identify which antibiotics are effective against the bacteria being tested. This test is crucial in guiding antibiotic treatment decisions.
A: Gram stain is used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition and morphology, not for antibiotic susceptibility testing.
B: Catalase test is used to differentiate between catalase-positive and catalase-negative bacteria, not for antibiotic susceptibility testing.
D: Endospore stain is used to detect the presence of endospores in bacteria, not for antibiotic susceptibility testing.
A patient has a necrotizing phlegmon of his lower extremity. A doctor suspects a gas gangrene. Microscopy reveals grampositive bacilli. In order to confirm the diagnosis further bacteriological tests should include inoculation of the material into the following nutrient medium:
- A. Kitt-Tarozzi medium
- B. Endo agar
- C. Meat-peptone agar
- D. Levine agar
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kitt-Tarozzi medium. This medium is specifically designed to culture Clostridium species, the causative agents of gas gangrene. Clostridium species are gram-positive bacilli that produce gas during their metabolism. Inoculating the material into Kitt-Tarozzi medium allows for the selective growth of Clostridium species, aiding in the confirmation of a gas gangrene diagnosis.
Other choices are incorrect:
B: Endo agar is used for the isolation of gram-negative enteric bacteria.
C: Meat-peptone agar is a general-purpose medium and not specific for Clostridium species.
D: Levine agar is used for the isolation of Salmonella and Shigella species, not Clostridium.