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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) because different bacteria can cause pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, which can lead to pneumonia. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Therefore, all three bacteria can be responsible for causing pneumonia in different contexts. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each bacterium individually can cause pneumonia, so selecting only one option would not cover the full spectrum of bacterial causes of pneumonia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The Widal test is used to diagnose typhoid fever caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. The test detects antibodies produced in response to the bacteria. Positive results indicate a current or past infection with typhoid fever. Choice A (Syphilis) is incorrect as it is diagnosed using different tests like RPR or TPPA. Choice C (AIDS) is diagnosed with HIV tests like ELISA or Western blot. Choice D (Lyme disease) is diagnosed using tests like ELISA or Western blot specific for Borrelia burgdorferi.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a soft chancre is a type of sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. It presents as a painless ulcer on the genitals. The other choices are incorrect. B is incorrect because STIs can enter the body through various routes, not only the urogenital tract mucosa. C is incorrect because immunity to syphilis is not lifelong; reinfection is possible. D is incorrect because STIs can occur in any country regardless of social status or hygiene levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory tract. The respiratory tract is likely the most frequently used portal of entry for pathogens because it is constantly exposed to the external environment and has a large surface area lined with mucous membranes that can trap and facilitate the entry of pathogens. Additionally, the respiratory tract serves as a direct pathway for pathogens to reach the bloodstream and other organs. Skin (choice A) is a physical barrier that can prevent pathogen entry, while the gastrointestinal tract (choice B) has acidic pH and enzymes that can kill many pathogens. Conjunctiva (choice D) is a less common portal of entry compared to the respiratory tract due to its smaller surface area and protective mechanisms such as tears.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacterium is gram-negative, capsulated, and forms lactose-positive colonies. It was first isolated in pneumonia but is more commonly associated with urinary infections, otitis, meningitides, sepsis, and nosocomial infections. Klebsiella pneumoniae fits all the characteristics mentioned in the question, making it the correct choice. Incorrect choices: A: Staphylococcus aureus is gram-positive and does not have a capsule. C: Streptococcus pneumoniae is also gram-positive and does not fit the description given. D: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an acid-fast bacterium associated with tuberculosis, but it is neither gram-negative nor lactose-positive.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pili. Pili are hair-like appendages on the surface of bacteria that facilitate the exchange of genetic material through a process called conjugation. During conjugation, bacteria can transfer plasmids and other genetic material to neighboring bacteria through pili. This allows for the exchange of beneficial traits like antibiotic resistance. Choice B, Flagella, are involved in bacterial movement and not in genetic material exchange. Choice C, Endospores, are protective structures formed by bacteria in response to harsh conditions, but they are not involved in genetic material exchange. Choice D, Capsules, are protective layers around bacteria that help in adherence to surfaces and evasion of the immune system, but they do not play a role in genetic material exchange.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Salmonella typhi. Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, specifically transmitted through contaminated food and water. Shigella dysenteriae causes bacillary dysentery, Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, and Escherichia coli can cause various gastrointestinal illnesses, but not typhoid fever. Identifying the causative agent is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Monotrichous means having a single flagellum at one end. 2. The term "polar" indicates that the flagellum is located at one end of the bacterium. 3. Therefore, bacteria with a single polar flagellum are referred to as monotrichous. 4. Choice A is a typo, as it is the same as the correct answer B. Summary: - Choice A is a typo, as it duplicates the correct answer. - Choice C, amphitrichous, refers to bacteria with a flagellum at each end. - Choice D, peritrichous, describes bacteria with flagella distributed over the entire surface.