A Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium was isolated from a wound infection. The bacteria were anaerobic and produced gas. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium perfringens. Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is anaerobic and produces gas. It is commonly associated with wound infections and gas gangrene. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not wound infections. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, not typically associated with wound infections. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, which does not typically produce gas in wound infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia and is known to appear as Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule. The presence of a capsule is a key characteristic of S. pneumoniae. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci but typically does not have a capsule. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a Gram-positive cocci. Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is a Gram-negative rod, not a Gram-positive cocci. Therefore, based on the staining pattern and the presence of a capsule, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent in this case.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium is known to cause gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. Neisseria gonorrhoeae specifically infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract in both men and women. It is transmitted through sexual contact. Explanation of other choices: A: Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that causes chlamydia, not gonorrhea. C: Mycoplasma genitalium is associated with non-gonococcal urethritis, not gonorrhea. D: Treponema pallidum is the bacterium that causes syphilis, not gonorrhea. Therefore, Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the correct answer based on its direct association with causing gonorrhea.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces the botulinum toxin, which causes botulism by blocking nerve functions. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not botulism. Staphylococcus aureus produces toxins that cause food poisoning, not botulism. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, not botulism. Therefore, the correct choice is Clostridium botulinum because it is the specific bacterium responsible for producing the toxin that leads to botulism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thermophiles. Thermophiles are bacteria that can survive in extreme temperatures, typically between 45°C to 80°C. This ability is due to their unique enzymes and cell membrane structures that are adapted to high temperatures. Escherichia coli (A) is a common bacterium found in the human gut and does not thrive in extreme temperatures. Clostridium tetani (C) is a bacterium that causes tetanus and prefers moderate temperatures. Salmonella enterica (D) is a pathogenic bacterium that does not thrive in extreme temperatures. Therefore, Thermophiles are the only bacteria on the list known for surviving in extreme temperatures.