A Gram-negative bacterium producing a blue-green pigment and having a fruity odor was isolated from a patient's wound infection. What is the likely causative agent?

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gram-negative bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In the Gram staining technique, these bacteria appear pink/red due to the thin peptidoglycan layer, which allows the crystal violet stain to be washed out, revealing the safranin counterstain. Gram-positive bacteria (choice A) have a thick peptidoglycan layer but lack an outer membrane with LPS. Choice C is incorrect since only Gram-negative bacteria possess LPS in their outer membrane. Choice D is incorrect as all bacteria can be classified as either Gram-positive or Gram-negative based on their cell wall structure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for correct answer (A: Escherichia coli): 1. Endo agar selects for Gram-negative bacteria. 2. Red colonies on Endo agar indicate lactose fermentation, characteristic of E. coli. 3. E. coli is a common cause of pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised patients. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: - B: Klebsiella pneumoniae: Typically forms mucoid colonies on agar. - C: Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Produces characteristic greenish-blue colonies on agar. - D: Proteus mirabilis: Does not typically ferment lactose, so would not produce red colonies on Endo agar.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Proteus vulgaris. This is because Proteus species are non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rods that produce gas in nutrient broth. They are known to cause severe abdominal pain due to their ability to invade the intestinal mucosa. A: Salmonella enterica is a lactose-fermenting organism and typically does not produce gas in nutrient broth. B: Shigella dysenteriae is a lactose-negative organism but does not produce gas in nutrient broth. C: Escherichia coli is a lactose-fermenting organism and does not typically produce gas in nutrient broth. In summary, the presence of non-lactose-fermenting, gas-producing Gram-negative rods points towards Proteus vulgaris as the most likely causative agent of the severe abdominal pain.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary function of bacterial capsules is to aid in adhesion and protect against phagocytosis. Capsules help bacteria adhere to surfaces and evade immune system detection by preventing phagocytosis. This is important for bacterial survival and colonization in host organisms. Choice A, protein synthesis, is incorrect as capsules do not directly participate in this process. Choice C, facilitate motility, is incorrect as capsules are not involved in bacterial movement. Choice D, synthesize DNA, is incorrect as capsules do not have a role in DNA synthesis. Thus, the correct answer is B.