A child presented with foul-smelling diarrhea. Stool microscopy revealed trophozoites with two nuclei and flagella. What is the causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Giardia lamblia. Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes foul-smelling diarrhea. The trophozoites of Giardia lamblia have two nuclei and flagella, which are characteristic features seen on stool microscopy. The presence of these specific features helps differentiate Giardia lamblia from the other options. Entamoeba histolytica (B) typically presents with one nucleus and lacks flagella. Trichomonas vaginalis (C) is a sexually transmitted parasite with a different morphology. Balantidium coli (D) is a ciliated parasite, not flagellated like Giardia lamblia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Gram-negative rod with safety pin appearance indicates bipolar staining. Step 2: Yersinia pestis is a Gram-negative rod causing bubonic plague. Step 3: Y. pestis has bipolar staining due to its unique F1 capsule. Step 4: The swollen lymph node and bacteremia are consistent with bubonic plague. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is A: Yersinia pestis. Summary: - B: Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not characterized by a safety pin appearance. - C: Brucella melitensis causes brucellosis, not characterized by a safety pin appearance. - D: Pasteurella multocida causes animal bites infections, not characterized by a safety pin appearance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule is characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Step 1: Gram-positive cocci in pairs indicate a Streptococcus species. Step 2: The presence of a capsule suggests S. pneumoniae specifically. Summary: B: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive cocci but does not typically present in pairs with a capsule. C: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a Gram-positive cocci. D: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod, not a cocci.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia and is characterized by being Gram-positive cocci arranged in pairs with a capsule, as described in the question. The presence of a capsule is a key characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae, distinguishing it from the other choices. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci, but it typically forms clusters, not pairs. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) is a Gram-negative rod, not a Gram-positive cocci. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is a Gram-positive cocci, but it does not typically present with a capsule in the same way Streptococcus pneumoniae does.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Blue-green pigment + fruity odor are characteristic of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 2. P. aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium commonly associated with wound infections. 3. P. aeruginosa is known for its ability to produce pyocyanin (blue-green pigment) and a sweet, fruity odor. 4. Other choices like E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. mirabilis do not typically produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor. 5. Therefore, based on the characteristics observed, the likely causative agent is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Summary of other choices: - Escherichia coli: Does not produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor. - Klebsiella pneumoniae: Does not typically produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor. - Proteus mirabilis: Does not produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor.