A child is presumably ill with diphtheria. A specimen of affected mucous membrane of his pharynx was taken for analysis. The smear was stained and microscopic examination revealed yellow rods with dark blue thickenings on their ends. What structural element of a germ cell was revealed in the detected microorganisms?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Volutin granules. Volutin granules are metachromatic granules that stain dark blue with methylene blue or Leishman stain. In diphtheria-causing bacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, these granules are typically seen as yellow rods with dark blue thickenings on their ends when stained. Volutin granules are storage inclusions composed of polymetaphosphate that serve as an energy reserve for the bacteria. The presence of these granules in the detected microorganisms indicates the characteristic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Summary of other choices: B: Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules that are not typically visible on stained smears. C: Capsules are outer protective layers that are not visible on stained smears. D: Spores are reproductive structures formed by certain bacteria, not typically seen in Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: BCG vaccination. BCG vaccination is recommended for individuals with a negative Mantoux test result, especially in countries where tuberculosis is prevalent. This vaccination can help provide protection against tuberculosis. Choice A is incorrect because repeating the Mantoux test in a month is unnecessary since the boy already had a negative reaction. Choice B is incorrect as serodiagnosis of tuberculosis is not the first-line approach for diagnosis, especially in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect because urgent isolation is not necessary based solely on the Mantoux test result. Isolation is typically reserved for individuals with active tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sexual transmission. The symptoms described are indicative of a vaginal yeast infection caused by Candida albicans. The presence of large gram-positive oval oblong cells forming pseudomycelium is characteristic of Candida infection. Sexual transmission is the most probable channel of infection as Candida can be transmitted through sexual contact. Endogenous infection (A) refers to infections originating from the body's own flora, which is not the case here. Contact infection (C) typically involves direct physical contact or fomite transmission, which is less likely in this scenario. Vector-borne transmission (D) involves transmission through vectors like mosquitoes or ticks, which is not relevant in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Giardiasis is caused by Giardia intestinalis, which is a well-known protozoan parasite. Step 2: Protozoans are single-celled eukaryotic organisms commonly found in water sources. Step 3: Giardia intestinalis infects the intestine, causing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Step 4: Bacteria (Choice B) are prokaryotic organisms, different from protozoans. Step 5: Fungi (Choice C) are also eukaryotic but are not responsible for causing Giardiasis. Step 6: Viruses (Choice D) are not cellular and cannot independently cause Giardiasis. In summary, the correct answer is A (protozoan) because Giardia intestinalis is a protozoan parasite specifically known to cause Giardiasis, while the other choices (Bacterium, Fungus, Virus) do not match the characteristics of the

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Carrying antibiotic resistance genes. Bacterial plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can carry genes, including those for antibiotic resistance. This allows bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics. Plasmids do not directly regulate bacterial growth (A), produce toxins (C), or facilitate endospore formation (D). Plasmids play a crucial role in the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disinfection. Disinfection is not a method for food preservation but rather a process of destroying harmful microorganisms on surfaces. A: Pasteurization involves heating food to kill pathogens, preserving the food. C: Irradiation uses radiation to kill bacteria and parasites, extending shelf life. D: Ultrahigh-temperature pasteurization involves heating food at very high temperatures to extend shelf life. In summary, disinfection is not a method used to preserve food but rather to clean surfaces.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: ELISA test for IgM anti-HAV in serum and HAV-Ag in stools. This test is the most reliable for detecting acute hepatitis A infection because IgM antibodies are produced early in the infection, indicating an active infection. Detection of HAV antigen in stools also confirms active viral shedding. A: Western blot assay for IgG anti-HAV in serum is not the most reliable for acute infection detection as IgG antibodies are produced later in the infection and indicate past exposure or immunity. C: ELISA test for IgG anti-HAV in serum is not the most reliable for acute infection detection as IgG antibodies are produced later in the infection and indicate past exposure or immunity. D: None of the above is incorrect as option B is the most appropriate choice for detecting acute hepatitis A infection.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: High amount of mycolic acids. Mycobacteria are characterized by their unique cell wall composition, which includes a high amount of mycolic acids. Mycolic acids provide the bacteria with resistance to environmental stresses and are crucial for their pathogenicity. Polysaccharides (A) are not a prominent component of mycobacterial cell walls. While lipids (B) are present in mycobacterial cell walls, mycolic acids are the predominant lipid. Proteins (D) are also present but are not the defining feature of mycobacterial cell walls. Therefore, the correct answer is C due to the significant role mycolic acids play in the structure and function of mycobacterial cell walls.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Treponema pallidum. 1. Treponema pallidum is a spirochete bacterium known to cause syphilis. 2. Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease, not syphilis. 3. Leptospira interrogans causes leptospirosis, not syphilis. 4. Rickettsia rickettsii causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever, not syphilis. Therefore, Treponema pallidum is the causative agent of syphilis, making it the correct answer.