Nokea
Which of the following is a feature of Gram-negative bacteria?
- A. Thick peptidoglycan layer
- B. Outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides
- C. Presence of teichoic acids
- D. Absence of a cell wall
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are important in pathogenesis and immune response. This feature is unique to Gram-negative bacteria, distinguishing them from Gram-positive bacteria (choice A). Teichoic acids (choice C) are found in the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria, not Gram-negative. The statement in choice D, absence of a cell wall, is incorrect as all bacteria have a cell wall, although the composition may vary between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
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The Gram stain is used to differentiate bacteria based on:
- A. Cell shape
- B. Cell wall structure
- C. Flagella composition
- D. Nutrient requirements
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Gram stain differentiates bacteria based on cell wall structure. It classifies bacteria into Gram-positive (purple) and Gram-negative (pink) based on the presence of peptidoglycan in the cell wall. This method helps in identifying the bacterial species and determining appropriate treatment. Option A (Cell shape) is incorrect because the Gram stain focuses on cell wall composition, not cell shape. Option C (Flagella composition) is incorrect as the Gram stain does not assess flagella. Option D (Nutrient requirements) is incorrect as it does not relate to the purpose of the Gram stain.
A centrifugate of urine sample obtained from patient with suspected renal tuberculosis was used to make a slide mount for microscopy. What method should be used to stain the slide and detect the causative agent?
- A. Zielh-Neelsen stain
- B. Loeffler stain
- C. Gram stain
- D. Aujeszky stain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Zielh-Neelsen stain. This stain is specifically used to detect acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of renal tuberculosis. The staining process involves using carbol fuchsin to penetrate the mycolic acid layer of the bacterial cell wall, making it resistant to decolorization with acid-alcohol. This allows the red stained bacteria to be visualized under a microscope. Loeffler stain (B) is used for staining bacteria like diphtheria bacilli, Gram stain (C) is used for bacterial classification based on cell wall properties, and Aujeszky stain (D) is not a recognized staining method for detecting acid-fast bacteria.
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.
The major function of bacterial flagella is:
- A. Attachment to surfaces
- B. Movement of the bacterial cell
- C. Protein synthesis
- D. Nutrient absorption
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Movement of the bacterial cell. Bacterial flagella are whip-like appendages that enable bacteria to move towards nutrients or away from harmful substances. This movement is essential for survival, dispersal, and colonization. Choice A is incorrect because attachment is primarily mediated by other structures like pili. Choice C is incorrect as protein synthesis occurs inside the cell and is not directly related to flagella. Choice D is incorrect as nutrient absorption is typically carried out through specific channels or transport systems, not by flagella.
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.