A 45-year-old patient complains of fever up to 40oC, general weakness, headache and spasmodic contraction of muscles in the region of a shin wound. The patient got injured five days ago when tilling soil and didn't seek medical attention. What kind of wound infection can be suspected?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: The patient's symptoms align with tetanus infection, such as muscle spasms and fever. Step 2: Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria found in soil. Step 3: The wound from tilling soil provides an entry point for the bacteria. Step 4: Delayed seeking medical attention increases the risk of tetanus development. Step 5: Tetanus toxin affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Summary: Choice A is correct due to symptom alignment, bacterial source, wound type, delayed treatment, and specific neurological effects. Choices B, C, and D lack these specific connections to the given scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: viruses. Viruses are always in a parasitic form of interaction with the individual because they cannot survive or reproduce outside of a host cell. They rely on host cells to replicate and cause harm. Non-pathogenic bacteria (choice B) do not always cause harm and can coexist with the individual. Facultative pathogenic bacteria (choice C) can switch between being beneficial and harmful. Therefore, the correct answer is A as viruses always rely on a host for survival and reproduction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: microbemia. When microorganisms enter the circulatory system via the lymphatic drainage, the condition is specifically termed microbemia. This term focuses on the presence of microorganisms in the bloodstream. Rationale: 1. Bacteremia (choice A) refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, not specifically microorganisms as a whole. 2. Septicemia (choice B) is a severe infection causing systemic inflammation due to the presence of pathogens or their toxins in the blood, not limited to microorganisms entering via lymphatic drainage. 3. Viremia (choice D) is the presence of viruses in the bloodstream, not a term used for microorganisms entering through the lymphatic drainage. In summary, the term microbemia accurately describes the scenario of microorganisms entering the circulatory system through lymphatic drainage, making it the correct choice over the other options.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: A bacterial colony is a visible formation: Correct as colonies are visible to the naked eye. Step 2: Formed by clustering of cells: Correct as colonies are made up of numerous bacterial cells. Step 3: Belonging to different bacterial species: Correct as colonies can consist of one or multiple species. Summary: Choice A is correct as it accurately describes a bacterial colony. Choice B is incorrect as colonies can also form on solid nutrient mediums. Choice C is incorrect as choice A is correct. Choice D is incorrect as there is a correct option provided.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Exanthematous rash. Erythema infectiosum, also known as fifth disease, is characterized by a distinctive rash on the cheeks that looks like a "slapped cheek." This rash then spreads to the rest of the body, resulting in a lace-like rash (exanthem). Swelling of salivary glands (choice A) is not a typical symptom of erythema infectiosum. Diarrhea (choice B) and hepatitis (choice C) are also not associated with this condition. Therefore, the most characteristic clinical symptom of erythema infectiosum is the exanthematous rash.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (A: Epstein-Barr virus): 1. Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the Herpesviridae family, known for causing infectious mononucleosis. 2. Members of Herpesviridae have double-stranded DNA genomes and enveloped virions. 3. They establish latent infections in host cells and can reactivate periodically. 4. Poxvirus (B) belongs to the Poxviridae family, not Herpesviridae. 5. SARS (C) is caused by a coronavirus, not a herpesvirus. 6. HIV (D) belongs to the Retroviridae family, not Herpesviridae. Summary: The correct answer is A because Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the Herpesviridae family, exhibiting specific characteristics distinct from the other choices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because there is no obligatory vaccine for Neisseria meningitidis in Bulgaria. The rationale for this is that while vaccines are available for meningococcal disease, they are not mandatory in Bulgaria. Therefore, this statement is incorrect. A: This statement is correct as Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome can occur during meningococcemia due to rapid progression of the infection leading to adrenal gland failure. B: This statement is incorrect as Neisseria meningitidis is most common in infants, children, and adolescents, with a second peak in young adults. D: This statement is correct as Neisseria meningitidis is transmitted through respiratory secretions, such as coughing or kissing, especially in close contacts like household members or roommates.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Facultative anaerobes. Facultative anaerobes can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments by switching between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. They have the flexibility to use oxygen if present but can also ferment in the absence of oxygen. Obligate anaerobes (A) cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, obligate aerobes (C) require oxygen for survival, and microaerophiles (D) require low levels of oxygen for growth, unlike facultative anaerobes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: virulence. Virulence refers to the degree or extent of disease-evoking power that a microorganism possesses. This term specifically describes the ability of a microorganism to cause disease in a host. It is a crucial factor in understanding the pathogenicity of different microorganisms. Choice B: strength is incorrect because it does not specifically relate to the disease-causing potential of a microorganism. Choice C: resistance refers to the ability of an organism to withstand the effects of a particular agent, such as a drug or environmental factor. Choice D: competence is not directly related to the disease-causing ability of a microorganism, but rather refers to the ability of an organism to perform a specific function effectively.