A Gram-stained smear from a wound revealed Gram-positive rods with terminal spores. 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. This bacterium is an anaerobic, Gram-positive rod that forms terminal spores and produces gas. It is commonly associated with wound infections and gas gangrene. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism and does not typically present with gas production. Bacillus anthracis is an aerobic, Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium causing anthrax. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus and does not produce gas. Thus, based on the characteristics described in the question, Clostridium perfringens is the most likely causative agent.

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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above." Bacterial meningitis can be caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria are common pathogens associated with meningitis. Each of them can lead to serious infections in the brain and spinal cord. Neisseria meningitidis is known for causing meningococcal meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of H. influenzae meningitis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for pneumococcal meningitis. Therefore, since all three bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these bacteria individually can cause bacterial meningitis; it is not limited to just one specific type.