A dimorphic fungus growing as a mold prefers what temperature?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (25°C) because dimorphic fungi typically grow as molds at lower temperatures. At 25°C, the fungus is likely in its mold phase, which is the preferred temperature range for mold growth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 15°C and 20°C are too low for optimal mold growth, and 37°C is too high as it typically favors the yeast phase of dimorphic fungi. Therefore, the preferred temperature for mold growth of a dimorphic fungus is 25°C.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Sodium is the major cation in the intracellular fluid. 2. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cell volume and transmitting nerve impulses. 3. Potassium is the major cation in the extracellular fluid, not intracellular. 4. Bicarbonate and sulfate are anions and not major cations in intracellular fluid. Summary: Choice B (sodium) is correct as it is the major cation in intracellular fluid, essential for various cellular functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as potassium is extracellular, while bicarbonate and sulfate are anions and not predominant cations in intracellular fluid.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed produce toxins that cause damage to host tissues. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin toxin causing tetanus, Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to severe diarrhea, and Staphylococcus aureus releases toxins causing tissue damage in various infections. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct in terms of producing toxins that harm host tissues.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: All microorganisms. Sterilization aims to eliminate all microorganisms, including pathogenic and non-pathogenic ones, to ensure complete absence of viable organisms. This is crucial in medical, laboratory, and food preparation settings to prevent contamination and spread of infections. Choices A and B are incorrect because sterilization does not differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, aiming to eradicate all. Choice D is incorrect as sterilization does involve releasing subjects (microorganisms) using physical methods.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood agar. Pneumococci are fastidious bacteria that require enriched media for cultivation. Blood agar provides essential nutrients and growth factors needed for the growth of pneumococci. It contains sheep blood, which provides hemin and NAD, supporting the growth of these bacteria. Kligler iron agar (A) is used for differentiating enteric bacteria based on glucose and lactose fermentation. Apocholate citrate agar (C) is used for the selective isolation of Escherichia coli. Peptone water (D) is a non-selective medium used for the initial cultivation of microorganisms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Leffler's method. In this staining method, gentian violet solution is used as the primary stain, followed by Lugol's solution as a mordant, 960 spiritus as a decolorizer, and water fuchsin as a counterstain. Gentian violet stains the organisms purple, Lugol's solution helps in fixing the dye, 960 spiritus decolorizes non-specifically, and water fuchsin acts as a counterstain to help visualize the bacteria. Leffler's method is specifically used for staining sputum smears in suspected cases of croupous pneumonia. Summary: B: Gram's staining uses crystal violet, iodine, alcohol, and safranin. It is mainly used for distinguishing between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. C: Ziehl-Neelsen's staining is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis using carbol fuchsin and acid-alcohol

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A: Early application of gentamicin is not recommended as a specific treatment for C. difficile-associated post antibiotic diarrhea because it does not have efficacy against C. difficile. B: Metronidazole is recommended as first-line treatment for mild to moderate C. difficile infection. C: Stopping antibiotic treatment and observing the clinical response for 48 hours is not a recommended strategy as prompt treatment is crucial in C. difficile infection. D: Vancomycin per os is an appropriate treatment for severe C. difficile infection. In summary, A is incorrect because gentamicin is not effective against C. difficile, while B, C, and D are potential treatment strategies based on severity of the infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To determine the children that need to receive BCG vaccination. The Mantoux test is used to identify individuals who have been exposed to Tuberculosis (TB) and need BCG vaccination for protection. Parotitis (choice A) is a viral infection unrelated to TB. Allergization rate toward rickettsia (choice B) and immune stress toward diphtheria (choice C) are not related to the Mantoux test or BCG vaccination. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer as it aligns with the purpose of the Mantoux test.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because antigenic drift is not caused by the exchange of genetic information between animal and human influenza viruses. Antigenic drift is actually due to point mutations in the genes that encode for the surface proteins of the virus, leading to small changes in the antigens. These mutations can affect the hemagglutinin of both type A and B influenza viruses, making choices A and C correct. Choice D is incorrect because antigenic drift can occur in both type A and B influenza viruses, with type B being less prone to drift compared to type A.