A patient being treated for tuberculosis is suffering from hearing deterioration. What drug causes this complication?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptomycin. Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis that can cause hearing loss as a side effect. It is known to damage the cochlear and vestibular organs in the inner ear. The other choices, B: Isoniazid, C: Rifampicin, and D: Ethionamide, are not associated with causing hearing deterioration as a side effect. Isoniazid can rarely cause peripheral neuropathy, Rifampicin can lead to hepatotoxicity, and Ethionamide may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, but none of these drugs are known to specifically cause hearing loss.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: chemoheterotrophs. Chemoheterotrophs use organic compounds as both their carbon source and energy source. They obtain energy by breaking down organic molecules through cellular respiration. Photoautotrophs (A) use light energy to produce organic compounds, chemoautotrophs (B) use inorganic compounds for energy, and photoheterotrophs (C) use light energy but require organic compounds as a carbon source. Therefore, chemoheterotrophs best describe bacteria that obtain both carbon and energy from organic compounds.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (Both A and B) because both Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium botulinum are capable of forming spores to survive in harsh environments. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax and forms spores that can survive extreme conditions. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism and also forms spores for survival. Option A (Bacillus anthracis) and Option B (Clostridium botulinum) are incorrect on their own because they only represent one of the bacteria capable of forming spores. Option D (None of the above) is incorrect because it disregards the fact that both bacteria can form spores.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 96% ethanol. In Gram's staining method, after applying gentian violet, Lugol's solution, and aqueous fuchsin, the next step is to use a decolorizing agent like 96% ethanol to wash away the excess stain from the Gram-negative bacteria. This step is crucial as it helps differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria based on their cell wall properties. The other choices are incorrect because sulfuric acid is not used in Gram's staining method, methylene blue is typically used in other staining techniques like the simple stain, and carbolic fuchsin is not a standard reagent in the Gram's staining process.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Passive hemagglutination. In this test, red blood cells coated with Treponema antigens agglutinate in the presence of patient's serum antibodies. This indicates the presence of antibodies against Treponema, confirming the diagnosis. A: Immobilization test uses live Treponema to detect specific antibodies, but it is not commonly used for syphilis diagnosis. C: Precipitation test is not commonly used for syphilis diagnosis. D: Complement binding test is not specific for syphilis and is used more for autoimmune diseases. Therefore, passive hemagglutination is the most appropriate serological test in this case due to its specificity and relevance to the presentation of the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: It causes epidemic meningitis. Neisseria Meningitidis is a bacterium that can cause meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This bacterium is known to cause outbreaks or epidemics of meningitis, especially in crowded or close-contact settings. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Neisseria Meningitidis does have a capsule, which helps it evade the immune system. C: Neisseria Meningitidis grows on selective media like Thayer-Martin agar, not differential media. D: Neisseria Meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a Gram-positive rod.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba gingivalis. Firstly, it is important to note that Entamoeba gingivalis is commonly found in the oral cavity, specifically in carious cavities. Secondly, Entamoeba gingivalis belongs to the Sarcodina class, which is characterized by their amoeboid movement using pseudopods. This protozoa is associated with oral health issues, particularly in individuals with poor oral hygiene. Now, let's analyze why the other choices are incorrect: B: Entamoeba histolutica is known for causing amoebic dysentery, not commonly associated with oral cavities. C: Entamoeba coli is typically found in the human large intestine, not in oral cavities. D: Amoeba proteus is a free-living amoeba commonly used in laboratory studies and not typically associated with oral cavity infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Facultative anaerobes can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism based on oxygen availability. This flexibility enables them to grow in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments, making choice B correct. Choice A is incorrect because facultative anaerobes do not require oxygen for survival. Choice C is incorrect as obligate anaerobes cannot grow in the presence of oxygen. Choice D is incorrect because obligate anaerobes cannot tolerate any amount of oxygen.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyaluronidase synthesis. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme produced by some pathogens to break down hyaluronic acid in the extracellular matrix, aiding their spread. This action does not directly counteract the immune system's mechanisms. Antigenic heterogeneity and mimicry can evade immune recognition. IgA proteases degrade IgA antibodies, impairing mucosal immunity. Therefore, D is the only choice not directly involved in counteracting the immune system.