A patient has a necrotizing phlegmon of his lower extremity. A doctor suspects a gas gangrene. Microscopy reveals grampositive bacilli. In order to confirm the diagnosis further bacteriological tests should include inoculation of the material into the following nutrient medium:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kitt-Tarozzi medium. This medium is specifically designed to culture Clostridium species, the causative agents of gas gangrene. Clostridium species are gram-positive bacilli that produce gas during their metabolism. Inoculating the material into Kitt-Tarozzi medium allows for the selective growth of Clostridium species, aiding in the confirmation of a gas gangrene diagnosis. Other choices are incorrect: B: Endo agar is used for the isolation of gram-negative enteric bacteria. C: Meat-peptone agar is a general-purpose medium and not specific for Clostridium species. D: Levine agar is used for the isolation of Salmonella and Shigella species, not Clostridium.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: axial filaments. Treponemae are motile due to their unique structure of axial filaments, also known as endoflagella. These axial filaments are located within the periplasmic space of the organism and are responsible for the corkscrew-like motility of Treponemae. The other choices (B: mans peritrichous filaments, C: single monotrichous filament, D: fimbriae) do not play a role in the motility of Treponemae. Peritrichous filaments and single monotrichous filaments are not present in Treponemae, and fimbriae are primarily involved in adhesion rather than motility.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: TRUE. Poxviruses are indeed the largest viruses, ranging from 200-450 nm in size, which is close to the resolution limit of a light microscope. This makes them almost visible under a light microscope. The other choices are incorrect because poxviruses are not smaller or uncertain in size (choices B and C), nor are they partially visible - they are almost visible due to their relatively large size.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium produces the diphtheria toxin, which is responsible for causing diphtheria. The other choices, B, C, and D, are incorrect because Bacillus anthracis produces anthrax toxins, Clostridium tetani produces tetanus toxin, and Listeria monocytogenes does not produce the diphtheria toxin. Understanding the specific bacteria-toxin associations is crucial in correctly identifying the pathogen responsible for a particular disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Trimethoprim. Trimethoprim is a folate antagonist that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme essential for folate metabolism in bacteria. This disrupts bacterial DNA synthesis, leading to bacteriostatic effects. Methyl Penicillin (A) is a beta-lactam antibiotic that interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Vancomycin (C) inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding to D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of cell wall precursors. Gentamicin (D) inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of rods with polar dark blue granules stained by Neisser's method indicates metachromatic granules consistent with Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The characteristic staining pattern is due to the presence of polar granules in the bacterial cells, a feature specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium tetani, and Escherichia coli do not exhibit this staining pattern or morphology typical of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: nucleic acid and proteins. Viruses consist of genetic material (nucleic acid) surrounded by a protein coat. The nucleic acid carries the viral genetic information, while the proteins form the capsid that protects the genetic material. This combination is essential for the virus to infect host cells and replicate. Lipids (choice B) are not typically part of the main structure of viruses. Lipids are more commonly found in the host cell membrane. Lipids and proteins (choice C) may be present in the viral envelope but are not the main structural components. Proteins and glycoproteins (choice D) are important for viral attachment and entry into host cells but do not constitute the main structural components of viruses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Late congenital syphilis. The symptoms described align with late congenital syphilis, which includes saddle nose, high-arched palate, natiform skull, peg-shaped incisors, and notched cutting edge. Lymph nodes not being affected is also consistent with late congenital syphilis. Early congenital syphilis (B) typically presents with more severe symptoms at birth or shortly after. Tertiary syphilis (C) usually occurs years after initial infection and presents with different symptoms. Fluorosis (D) is caused by excessive fluoride intake and does not match the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Flagella are the correct answer because they are long, whip-like structures that aid in bacterial movement towards or away from chemical stimuli. They rotate like propellers, allowing the bacterium to navigate its environment. Pili are used for attachment, not movement. Capsules are involved in protection and adherence, not chemotaxis. Fimbriae help in attachment to surfaces, not in movement towards stimuli.