A man is being treated for chronic pneumonia for a long time. Microscopy of sputum smears stained using Ziehl-Nielsen method reveals red bacilli 0.25x4 microns in size, located separately or sometimes in small clusters. What disease can be suspected?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pulmonary tuberculosis. The presence of red bacilli stained with Ziehl-Nielsen method indicates acid-fast bacteria, which are characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. The size and appearance of the bacilli described match those of M. tuberculosis. Chronic pneumonia, along with the specific staining pattern, strongly suggests tuberculosis as the likely diagnosis. Explanation for other choices: A: Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which would not show red bacilli on Ziehl-Nielsen staining. B: Pulmonary actinomycosis is caused by Actinomyces species, not acid-fast bacteria like M. tuberculosis. C: Pulmonary candidiasis is caused by Candida species, which are fungi and do not appear as red bacilli on staining.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetanus. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produces a neurotoxin leading to muscle stiffness, including trismus (restricted mouth opening). The patient's history of a stab wound increases the likelihood of tetanus infection due to the spores entering the body through the wound. Incorrect Choices: B: Brucellosis does not typically present with trismus and is more commonly associated with fever, joint pain, and fatigue. C: Whooping cough presents with severe coughing fits but does not cause trismus. D: Wound anaerobic infection may cause localized symptoms at the wound site but is less likely to cause trismus compared to tetanus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Salmonellosis. The description of microorganisms resembling a tennis racket indicates the presence of Salmonella typhi, which causes salmonellosis. Salmonella bacteria can appear like tennis rackets under a microscope due to their flagella. Botulism (A) is caused by Clostridium botulinum, which does not resemble a tennis racket. Cholera (C) is caused by Vibrio cholerae, which appears as curved rods under the microscope. Dysentery (D) is usually caused by bacteria like Shigella or Entamoeba histolytica, which do not resemble tennis rackets.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacteriological. This method involves isolating and culturing the causative bacteria from the wound material to determine the species. This allows for further testing to confirm gaseous gangrene and identify the specific pathogen. Choice B: Allergic is incorrect as it pertains to immune responses, not identifying bacteria. Choice C: Bacterioscopic is incorrect as it refers to microscopic examination of bacteria, not species identification. Choice D: Serological is incorrect as it involves testing for antibodies in the blood, not identifying the causative agent directly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Wasserman test, IFT. The patient's symptoms of diffuse alopecia and Pinkus' sign are suggestive of secondary syphilis. The Wasserman test and Immunofluorescence Test (IFT) are used to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum, the bacterium causing syphilis. This would confirm or rule out syphilis as the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms. Choice B (T.pallidum Immobilization Test) is similar to the Wasserman test but less commonly used. Choice C (Detection of the nasal mucous membrane for M.leprae) is irrelevant as leprosy does not present with the described symptoms. Choice D (Consultation of neuropathist) is premature without ruling out syphilis first. Thus, the Wasserman test, IFT should be the initial examination to investigate the likely cause of the patient's symptoms.