A bioterrorist has mailed an envelope with a powder that is suspected to contain anthrax causative agent. This envelope can remain dangerous for a long time, because anthrax causative agent:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Anthrax causative agent is Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores. Step 2: Spores are highly resistant structures that can survive for a long time. Step 3: These spores can germinate into active bacteria when conditions are favorable. Step 4: The presence of spores in the powder makes it dangerous even long after being mailed. Summary: A: Incorrect - Anthrax does not form a protein capsule. B: Incorrect - Anthrax does not form a polysaccharide capsule. C: Correct - Anthrax forms spores that are highly resistant. D: Incorrect - Anthrax does not form flagella.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidiasis. The large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus described in the stool sample is consistent with Balantidium coli, the causative agent of balantidiasis. Balantidium coli is the only ciliated protozoan parasite that infects humans and presents with these specific characteristics. Giardiasis (B) is caused by Giardia intestinalis, which is flagellated, not ciliated. Amoebiasis (C) is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which has an amoeboid shape, not ciliated. Trichomoniasis (D) is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, which is a flagellated protozoan and does not have a kidney-shaped macronucleus. Hence, the correct diagnosis in this case is Balantidiasis.

Correct Answer:

Rationale: Correct Answer: C: opportunists Rationale: 1. Opportunistic microorganisms cause infections only when the host's immune system is compromised. 2. They are typically harmless in healthy individuals but can become pathogenic in weakened hosts. 3. Saprophytic microorganisms are environmental decomposers, not inherently pathogenic. 4. Facultative pathogens can cause disease in both healthy and compromised hosts. 5. Obligate pathogens always cause disease regardless of the host's condition. Summary: A: Facultative pathogens can cause disease in healthy hosts. B: Saprophytes are not inherently pathogenic. D: Obligate pathogens always cause disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Francisella tularensis. This bacterium is classified as a class A bioterrorism agent due to its high virulence and potential for mass casualties. It can cause tularemia, a severe and potentially fatal disease. The other choices, Hepatitis B, E. coli, and Bacillus subtilis, are not considered class A bioterrorism agents. Hepatitis B is a virus causing liver inflammation, E. coli is a common bacterium found in the gut, and Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial bacterium used in various industries. Therefore, Francisella tularensis is the correct choice based on its high pathogenicity and bioterrorism potential.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (60 years) because as individuals age, their immune system weakens, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases. Around the age of 60, people are more likely to succumb to infections, leading to a higher mortality rate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are younger ages, and the likelihood of infectious diseases causing a significant proportion of deaths increases with age.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: CDC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for establishing hand-washing guidelines in healthcare settings to prevent infections. CDC is a leading authority in public health and provides evidence-based recommendations. OSHA (A) focuses on workplace safety, NIAD (C) is not a recognized organization, and WHO (D) provides global health guidelines but CDC is the primary authority for hand hygiene in the US healthcare system.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Meat-peptone agar, as it provides a simple nutritive media for bacterial growth. This agar contains meat extract and peptone, which are good sources of nutrients for bacterial growth. Glucose broth (A) is a liquid medium with glucose but lacks other essential nutrients. Ascites (serum) agar (B) is a selective medium used for detecting pathogens in clinical samples. Blood agar (D) is a differential medium used to distinguish different types of bacteria based on hemolytic reactions. Meat-peptone agar is the simplest and most general-purpose medium among the options provided.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Endo agar inhibits the growth of Gram-positive bacteria. 2. Colorless colonies on Endo agar indicate lactose non-fermenting bacteria. 3. Shigella dysenteriae is a lactose non-fermenting, Gram-negative rod, causing dysentery. 4. Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris are lactose fermenters, so they would produce pink colonies on Endo agar. Therefore, the most likely causative agent is Shigella dysenteriae.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: active transport system. Permeases are specific carriers that actively transport molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input. This process is known as active transport, which is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and allowing the cell to accumulate specific molecules. Facilitated diffusion (A) and passive transport (B) both involve the movement of molecules down their concentration gradient without the need for energy input. Simple diffusion (C) also does not involve specific carriers and relies on the natural movement of molecules from areas of high concentration to low concentration. Therefore, the correct choice is D as permeases specifically function in active transport systems.