Which of the following statements is NOT true about influenza viruses?
- A. they are spherical viruses coated with a lipoprotein coat
- B. hemagglutinin and neuraminidase of flu viruses are antigenically variable
- C. the susceptibility of the population to influenza viruses is high
- D. there is no specific prophylaxis available
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because there is specific prophylaxis available for influenza, such as the flu vaccine. Choice A is incorrect as influenza viruses are not spherical, they are typically pleomorphic. Choice B is incorrect because hemagglutinin and neuraminidase are indeed antigenically variable, contributing to the need for annual flu vaccines. Choice C is incorrect as the susceptibility of the population to influenza viruses can vary depending on factors such as immunity and vaccination status.
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A fecal sample from a patient with diarrhea revealed cysts with four nuclei. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Entamoeba histolytica
- B. Giardia lamblia
- C. Trichomonas vaginalis
- D. Balantidium coli
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This is because the presence of cysts with four nuclei is characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite that causes amoebic dysentery. Entamoeba histolytica cysts contain four nuclei, distinguishing them from other pathogens. Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis are not associated with cysts containing four nuclei. Balantidium coli is a ciliated protozoan that does not typically form cysts with multiple nuclei. In summary, the unique feature of four nuclei in the cysts points towards Entamoeba histolytica as the most likely causative agent of the diarrhea in this patient.
Langerhans cells, which play a role in defense against microbes, are located in the:
- A. epidermis
- B. dermis
- C. hypodermis
- D. subcutaneous layer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: epidermis. Langerhans cells are a type of immune cell found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. They play a crucial role in the defense against microbes by capturing and presenting antigens to activate the immune system. The dermis (B), hypodermis (C), and subcutaneous layer (D) are located deeper in the skin and do not contain Langerhans cells. Therefore, the epidermis is the correct location for these immune cells to carry out their defensive functions.
A patient with a sore throat and fever had a throat smear stained with Gram's method, revealing Gram-positive cocci in chains. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Streptococcus pyogenes
- B. Staphylococcus aureus
- C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- D. Enterococcus faecalis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is known to cause sore throat and fever, commonly referred to as strep throat. Gram's stain showing Gram-positive cocci in chains is characteristic of Streptococcus species. Streptococcus pyogenes is a beta-hemolytic bacterium that forms chains and is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci that forms clusters, not chains. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus and is not associated with sore throat. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is a Gram-positive cocci that can cause infections but is not typically associated with sore throat.
Sterilization is a process that:
- A. Destroys most microorganism, but spores remain viable
- B. Leads to complete destruction of all microorganisms, including resistant forms such as spores
- C. Reduces the number of microorganisms on the surface of the skin
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because sterilization is the process of completely destroying all microorganisms, including resistant forms like spores, ensuring no viable organisms remain. This is crucial for ensuring complete elimination of potential pathogens. Choice A is incorrect because sterilization should eliminate all microorganisms, including spores. Choice C is incorrect as it describes disinfection, not sterilization. Choice D is incorrect because sterilization aims to eradicate all microorganisms, not leave any viable ones behind.
While studying a microslide obtained from the punctuate of a regional lymph node and stained by Romanovsky-Giemsa method a physician revealed some light pink thin microorganisms with 12-14 regular spiral coils and pointed ends, up to 10-13 micrometer long. This might be the causative agent of the following disease:
- A. Syphilis
- B. Trypanosomiasis
- C. Leptospirosis
- D. Relapsing fever
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Relapsing fever. The description matches Borrelia species, the causative agent of relapsing fever. The thin, spiral-shaped microorganisms with pointed ends and specific length are characteristic of Borrelia. The number of coils and size mentioned also align with Borrelia morphology. Relapsing fever is transmitted by tick bites and manifests as recurring febrile episodes.
Incorrect choices:
A: Syphilis - Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum, which is not spiral-shaped.
B: Trypanosomiasis - Trypanosomiasis is caused by Trypanosoma species, which are not spiral-shaped.
C: Leptospirosis - Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira species, which are not spiral-shaped and do not match the specific description provided.