Which of these is not a factor counteracting the mechanisms of the immune system:
- A. Antigenic heterogeneity
- B. Antigenic mimicry
- C. Synthesis of IgA proteases
- D. Hyaluronidase synthesis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyaluronidase synthesis. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme produced by some pathogens to break down hyaluronic acid in the extracellular matrix, aiding their spread. This action does not directly counteract the immune system's mechanisms. Antigenic heterogeneity and mimicry can evade immune recognition. IgA proteases degrade IgA antibodies, impairing mucosal immunity. Therefore, D is the only choice not directly involved in counteracting the immune system.
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A patient with fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and bacteremia was diagnosed with plague. The Gram-stained smear revealed bipolar-staining, Gram-negative rods. What is the causative agent?
- A. Yersinia pestis
- B. Francisella tularensis
- C. Brucella abortus
- D. Clostridium botulinum
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Yersinia pestis. Y. pestis is the causative agent of plague, characterized by fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and bacteremia. The bipolar-staining, Gram-negative rods seen on Gram stain are typical of Y. pestis.
Incorrect choices:
B: Francisella tularensis causes tularemia, not plague.
C: Brucella abortus causes brucellosis, not plague.
D: Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, not plague.
In summary, the key features of the patient's presentation and the Gram stain findings align with Yersinia pestis as the correct causative agent of plague.
Which of the following bacteria is capable of producing an endotoxin that can lead to septic shock?
- A. Escherichia coli
- B. Salmonella enterica
- C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above.
1. Escherichia coli can produce endotoxin due to its lipopolysaccharide component.
2. Salmonella enterica also produces endotoxin as part of its cell wall structure.
3. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to produce endotoxin as well.
Therefore, all of these bacteria are capable of producing endotoxin, which can trigger an excessive immune response leading to septic shock. Other choices are incorrect because they do not cover all the bacteria mentioned in the question that are capable of producing endotoxin.
Bacteriophages reproduce by:
- A. Division
- B. Mitosis
- C. Meiosis
- D. None of them
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, not living organisms. They do not reproduce through division, mitosis, or meiosis because they lack the cellular machinery for these processes. Instead, bacteriophages replicate by inserting their genetic material into a host bacterium and hijacking its cellular machinery to produce new viral particles. Therefore, the correct answer is D - None of them. Division and mitosis involve cellular division in living organisms, while meiosis is a specialized process for sexual reproduction in eukaryotic organisms, none of which apply to bacteriophages.
Gram-negative, capsulated bacteria with capsule, lactose-positive colonies. Isolated for the first time in pneumonia, but have more important role in urinary infections, otitis, meningitides, sepsis, nosocomial infections:
- A. Staphylococcus aureus
- B. Klebsiella pneumonia
- C. Streptococcus pneumoniae
- D. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacterium is gram-negative, capsulated, and forms lactose-positive colonies. It was first isolated in pneumonia but is more commonly associated with urinary infections, otitis, meningitides, sepsis, and nosocomial infections. Klebsiella pneumoniae fits all the characteristics mentioned in the question, making it the correct choice.
Incorrect choices:
A: Staphylococcus aureus is gram-positive and does not have a capsule.
C: Streptococcus pneumoniae is also gram-positive and does not fit the description given.
D: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an acid-fast bacterium associated with tuberculosis, but it is neither gram-negative nor lactose-positive.
In which of the following especially dangerous infections, the respiratory tract is not damaged:
- A. Tularemia
- B. Plague
- C. Anthrax
- D. Cholera
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Cholera. Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and primarily affects the intestines, leading to severe watery diarrhea and dehydration. It does not damage the respiratory tract.
Choice A, Tularemia, affects the respiratory tract and other organs. Choice B, Plague, can cause respiratory symptoms like cough and difficulty breathing. Choice C, Anthrax, can affect the respiratory tract if inhaled in its spore form.