Which one of the following is a normal skin flora?
- A. Streptococcus pyogenes
- B. Staphylococcus epidermidis
- C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- D. Acinetobacter baumannii
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Staphylococcus epidermidis. This bacterium is a normal skin flora commonly found on human skin. It is part of the skin microbiota and helps protect against pathogenic organisms. Streptococcus pyogenes (A), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (C), and Acinetobacter baumannii (D) are not normal skin flora. Streptococcus pyogenes is a pathogenic bacterium causing various infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in water and soil, and Acinetobacter baumannii is associated with healthcare-associated infections.
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Which of the following statements concerning Neisseria Meningitidis is correct?
- A. Has no capsules
- B. It causes epidemic meningitis
- C. Grow on differential media
- D. Gram-positive rods
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: It causes epidemic meningitis. Neisseria Meningitidis is a bacterium that can cause meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This bacterium is known to cause outbreaks or epidemics of meningitis, especially in crowded or close-contact settings. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Neisseria Meningitidis does have a capsule, which helps it evade the immune system.
C: Neisseria Meningitidis grows on selective media like Thayer-Martin agar, not differential media.
D: Neisseria Meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a Gram-positive rod.
The process in which bacteria take up foreign DNA from the environment is called:
- A. Transformation
- B. Transduction
- C. Conjugation
- D. Binary fission
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transformation. During transformation, bacteria take up foreign DNA from the environment and incorporate it into their own genetic material. This process allows for genetic diversity and adaptation. Transduction (B) involves transfer of DNA via a virus, conjugation (C) involves direct transfer of DNA between bacterial cells, and binary fission (D) is a form of asexual reproduction in bacteria. Transformation is the only process specifically related to bacteria taking up foreign DNA.
A stool sample from a patient with chronic diarrhea revealed cysts with four nuclei. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A. Entamoeba histolytica
- B. Giardia lamblia
- C. Balantidium coli
- D. Trichomonas hominis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This is because it is a protozoan parasite known to cause amoebic dysentery, presenting with chronic diarrhea and cysts with four nuclei in the stool sample. Giardia lamblia (B) causes giardiasis with trophozoites and cysts with two nuclei. Balantidium coli (C) is a ciliated parasite causing dysentery with large trophozoites. Trichomonas hominis (D) is a non-pathogenic flagellate often found in the human intestine. Thus, based on the specific characteristics of the cysts and clinical presentation, Entamoeba histolytica is the most likely causative agent.
The optochin sensitivity test demonstrates:
- A. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- B. Pneumococcal
- C. Staphylococci
- D. Group A streptococci
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The optochin sensitivity test is used to differentiate Pneumococcal (Streptococcus pneumoniae) from other streptococci. Optochin sensitivity is a characteristic feature of Pneumococcal, as it inhibits its growth. The test involves placing optochin discs on a culture plate and observing the zone of inhibition around the disc for Pneumococcal. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Staphylococci, and Group A streptococci do not exhibit optochin sensitivity, making them incorrect choices. In summary, the optochin sensitivity test is specific to Pneumococcal, making choice B the correct answer.
At a bacteriological laboratory animal skins are analyzed by means of Ascoli precipitaion test. What is detected if the reaction is positive?
- A. Anthrax agent antigens
- B. Brucellosis agent
- C. Anaerobic infection toxin
- D. Plague agent
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Ascoli precipitation test is specifically used to detect anthrax agent antigens. The test involves mixing a patient's serum with a solution containing anthrax antigens, leading to precipitation if the antigens are present. Therefore, a positive reaction in this test indicates the presence of anthrax agent antigens. The other choices (B: Brucellosis agent, C: Anaerobic infection toxin, D: Plague agent) are incorrect because the Ascoli precipitation test is not designed to detect these specific agents or toxins.