Which of the following pathogens has the widest infectious spectrum
- A. Anthrax bacillus
- B. mumps virus
- C. the causative agent of gonorrhea
- D. the rabies virus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Anthrax bacillus, because it has the widest infectious spectrum among the options provided. Anthrax bacillus can infect a wide range of hosts, including humans and various animals. It is known for its ability to survive in different environments and cause disease through various routes of exposure. In contrast, choices B, C, and D have more limited infectious spectra. Mumps virus primarily infects humans, the causative agent of gonorrhea mainly affects humans through sexual contact, and the rabies virus typically infects mammals through bites from infected animals. Therefore, Anthrax bacillus is the correct choice due to its broader range of hosts and modes of transmission compared to the other options.
You may also like to solve these questions
A 40-year-old patient presents with abdominal pain, frequent loose stools with mucus and blood. Stool analysis revealed vegetative forms of some protozoa sized 30-40 microns, with short pseudopodia, containing large amounts of phagocytosed erythrocytes. What protozoan disease does the patient have?
- A. Amebiasis
- B. Leishmaniasis
- C. Trichomoniasis
- D. Giardiasis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Amebiasis. The patient's symptoms of abdominal pain, loose stools with mucus and blood, along with the presence of protozoa containing phagocytosed erythrocytes in stool analysis are indicative of Entamoeba histolytica infection. The size (30-40 microns) and pseudopodia characteristics match E. histolytica. Amebiasis commonly presents with dysentery, while Leishmaniasis (B) typically causes skin ulcers. Trichomoniasis (C) is a sexually transmitted infection, not associated with the described symptoms. Giardiasis (D) is characterized by foul-smelling diarrhea and steatorrhea, not bloody diarrhea as seen in this case.
A scientist identifies a strand of RNA that can be directly used to code for important viral proteins during viral replication. What have they found?
- A. RNA major
- B. -RNA
- C. (+RNA)
- D. RNA minor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: (+RNA). This indicates that the scientist found a positive-sense RNA strand that can be directly translated by host cell machinery to produce viral proteins. Positive-sense RNA can act as messenger RNA, allowing immediate protein synthesis during viral replication. Choice A (RNA major) and D (RNA minor) are not standard terms used to describe RNA strands in virology. Choice B (-RNA) indicates a negative-sense RNA strand, which requires transcription to form a complementary positive-sense strand before protein synthesis. Thus, the identification of a strand of RNA that directly codes for viral proteins aligns with the characteristics of a positive-sense RNA strand.
All of the following areas of the human body contain normal flora except:
- A. Peritoneum
- B. Urethra
- C. Vagina
- D. Mouth
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peritoneum. Normal flora refers to the microorganisms that naturally inhabit the human body without causing harm. The peritoneum is a sterile area, so it does not harbor normal flora. The urethra, vagina, and mouth all have normal flora due to their moist and warm environments, which provide an ideal habitat for microorganisms to thrive. The peritoneum, being a sterile cavity that houses organs like the stomach and intestines, does not have a natural microbial population like the other areas mentioned. Therefore, it does not contain normal flora.
The main structure components of viruses are
- A. nucleic acid and proteins
- B. nucleic acids and lipids
- C. lipids and protein
- D. proteins and glycoproteins
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: nucleic acid and proteins. Viruses consist of genetic material (nucleic acid) surrounded by a protein coat. The nucleic acid carries the viral genetic information, while the proteins form the capsid that protects the genetic material. This combination is essential for the virus to infect host cells and replicate. Lipids (choice B) are not typically part of the main structure of viruses. Lipids are more commonly found in the host cell membrane. Lipids and proteins (choice C) may be present in the viral envelope but are not the main structural components. Proteins and glycoproteins (choice D) are important for viral attachment and entry into host cells but do not constitute the main structural components of viruses.
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.