A 35-year-old patient with a severe respiratory infection had sputum that showed Gram-negative, comma-shaped bacteria. What is the likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Campylobacter jejuni. This bacterium is Gram-negative and comma-shaped, commonly causing respiratory infections. Vibrio cholerae (A) causes cholera, not respiratory infections. Shigella dysenteriae (B) causes dysentery, not respiratory infections. Helicobacter pylori (D) is associated with gastric ulcers, not respiratory infections. Therefore, Campylobacter jejuni is the most likely causative agent based on the given information.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisser's staining. Neisser's staining is used to detect metachromatic granules in bacteria, which appear as dark blue-staining granules at the ends of rod-shaped bacteria in diphtheria. This technique specifically targets these granules, making it ideal for identifying Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the causative agent of diphtheria. Ziehl-Neelsen staining is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Gram staining is for classifying bacteria based on cell wall composition, and Giemsa staining is used for detecting parasites and certain blood cells, making them incorrect for identifying granules in diphtheria.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Disinfection is the process of destroying the vegetative forms of microorganisms, but their spores may survive. This is why choice C is correct. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Disinfection does not necessarily target spore forms exclusively. B: While disinfection targets vegetative forms, it does not always eliminate spore forms. D: Disinfection is not primarily used for determining the effect of physical agents on microorganisms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Gram-negative rods suggest Enterobacteriaceae family. 2. Lactose fermenters narrow down to E. coli. 3. Green colonies on MacConkey agar indicate acid production. 4. E. coli is a common cause of pneumonia. Therefore, the most likely causative agent is Escherichia coli. Other choices are incorrect as Klebsiella is non-lactose fermenter, Pseudomonas is oxidase-positive, and Proteus is non-lactose fermenter.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is known to be the primary cause of peptic ulcers by colonizing the stomach lining and causing inflammation. It produces urease enzyme to neutralize stomach acid and has a flagellum for mobility. Escherichia coli (A) is mainly associated with foodborne illnesses. Streptococcus pyogenes (C) causes strep throat and skin infections. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (D) causes tuberculosis, a respiratory infection. Therefore, Helicobacter pylori is the correct choice for peptic ulcers based on its unique characteristics and pathogenicity.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) because all three bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) are known to cause urinary tract infections. E. coli is the most common causative agent of UTIs due to its ability to colonize the urethra. P. aeruginosa can cause UTIs in hospitalized patients with catheters. S. aureus is less common but can lead to UTIs, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions. Therefore, all three bacteria are potential pathogens for UTIs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these bacteria can individually cause UTIs, making the correct answer D.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: flagella. Flagella are whip-like structures that move fluid, mucus, or cells over the surface of a cell. They are longer and fewer in number compared to cilia, which are shorter and more numerous. Fimbriae are small, bristle-like structures that help bacteria attach to surfaces but do not move fluid. Microvilli are tiny projections that increase the surface area for absorption but do not have a role in moving fluid or cells. Therefore, flagella is the correct answer as it specifically fits the function described in the question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because F pili are proteins on the F+ donor cell that are attached to specific receptors on the recipient cell's cell wall. This is essential for the transfer of genetic material during conjugation. Choice A is incorrect because F pili are not made up of nucleotides, but rather proteins. Choice B is incorrect because F pili are not transferred to the recipient cell itself, but they facilitate the transfer of genetic material. Choice D is incorrect because F pili are not part of the recipient cell, but rather part of the donor cell for attachment to the recipient cell.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blue pus bacillus. Pseudomonas genus includes bacteria that commonly cause diseases in plants. Blue pus bacillus is a common name for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a well-known bacterium that causes diseases in medicinal plants. Explanation: 1. Blue pus bacillus (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) is a member of the Pseudomonas genus known for causing diseases in plants. 2. Colon bacillus (Escherichia coli) belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family, not the Pseudomonas genus. 3. Proteus is a genus of the Enterobacteriaceae family, not Pseudomonas. 4. Mycoplasma is a genus of bacteria that lack a cell wall and are not related to the Pseudomonas genus. In summary, the correct answer is A because it is a member of the Pseudomonas genus known for causing diseases in medicinal plants, while