A child with foul-smelling diarrhea had trophozoites with two nuclei and flagella identified in stool microscopy. 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 with trophozoites having two nuclei and flagella in stool microscopy. The presence of flagella and two nuclei is characteristic of Giardia lamblia. Entamoeba histolytica (Choice B) causes amoebic dysentery with trophozoites containing ingested RBCs. Trichomonas vaginalis (Choice C) is a sexually transmitted protozoan causing vaginitis with a distinctive pear-shaped trophozoite. Balantidium coli (Choice D) is a ciliated protozoan causing diarrhea with trophozoites containing a single nucleus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 96% ethanol. In Gram's staining method, after applying gentian violet, Lugol's solution, and aqueous fuchsin, the next step is to use a decolorizing agent like 96% ethanol to wash away the excess stain from the Gram-negative bacteria. This step is crucial as it helps differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria based on their cell wall properties. The other choices are incorrect because sulfuric acid is not used in Gram's staining method, methylene blue is typically used in other staining techniques like the simple stain, and carbolic fuchsin is not a standard reagent in the Gram's staining process.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (Both A and B) because both Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium botulinum are capable of forming spores to survive in harsh environments. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax and forms spores that can survive extreme conditions. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism and also forms spores for survival. Option A (Bacillus anthracis) and Option B (Clostridium botulinum) are incorrect on their own because they only represent one of the bacteria capable of forming spores. Option D (None of the above) is incorrect because it disregards the fact that both bacteria can form spores.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: protozoans. Protozoans are eukaryotic organisms that possess both a macronucleus, responsible for general cell functions, and a micronucleus, involved in genetic processes like reproduction. Algae (choice A) typically have a single nucleus, fungi (choice B) lack distinct macronucleus and micronucleus structures, and slime molds (choice D) do not have the same nucleus organization as protozoans. Thus, protozoans are the only group among the choices that exhibit the specific characteristics of having both a macronucleus and a micronucleus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lice. Lice, specifically body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis), are known carriers of the pathogen Rickettsia prowazekii, which causes epidemic typhus. Body lice are commonly found in unsanitary conditions and can transmit the bacteria through their bites. Spiders (choice B), bed-bugs (choice C), and cockroaches (choice D) are not known vectors of epidemic typhus. Spiders are predators that do not transmit diseases to humans, while bed-bugs and cockroaches are associated with other health issues but not epidemic typhus transmission.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetanus. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produces a toxin affecting the nervous system. Symptoms such as malaise, irritability, muscular twitching, and high body temperature are characteristic of tetanus due to muscle spasms and rigidity. The 15-day incubation period after trauma aligns with the typical onset of tetanus symptoms. Incorrect choices: B: Anaerobic gas gangrene - This condition usually presents with localized tissue necrosis and gas bubbles in the affected area, not systemic symptoms like malaise and headache. C: Erysipelas - This is a bacterial skin infection presenting with red, swollen patches, not the neurological symptoms seen in tetanus. D: Acute thrombophlebitis - This is a blood clot in a vein causing pain and swelling, not associated with the systemic symptoms and muscle twitching seen in tetanus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transformation. During transformation, bacteria take up foreign DNA from the environment and incorporate it into their own genetic material. This process allows for genetic diversity and adaptation. Transduction (B) involves transfer of DNA via a virus, conjugation (C) involves direct transfer of DNA between bacterial cells, and binary fission (D) is a form of asexual reproduction in bacteria. Transformation is the only process specifically related to bacteria taking up foreign DNA.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including their spores, which are the most resistant form of microbial life. Spores have a tough outer coating that protects them from harsh conditions, making them more difficult to destroy compared to vegetative cells, viruses, and protozoa. Therefore, the correct answer is C because sterilization targets and eliminates all forms of microorganisms, including spores. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because sterilization goes beyond just targeting vegetative cells, viruses, or protozoa; it aims to eliminate all microorganisms present.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: T-lymphocytes. In skin mycosis, a disorder of cellular immunity indicates a deficiency in T-lymphocytes, which play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity. T-lymphocytes are responsible for recognizing and destroying infected cells. Reduction in T-lymphocytes impairs the body's ability to fight fungal infections. Incorrect choices: B: Immunoglobulin G - Immunoglobulin G is involved in humoral immunity, not cellular immunity. C: Immunoglobulin E - Immunoglobulin E is typically associated with allergic responses, not cellular immunity. D: B-lymphocytes - B-lymphocytes are responsible for producing antibodies in humoral immunity, not directly involved in cell-mediated immunity.