A patient has been hospitalized with provisional diagnosis of botulism. What serological reaction should be used to reveal botulinum toxin?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neutralization reaction. This is the most appropriate serological test to reveal botulinum toxin because it involves mixing the patient's serum with known botulinum antitoxin. If the patient's serum contains botulinum toxin, it will neutralize the antitoxin, leading to a lack of toxin-neutralizing ability. The other choices are incorrect because agglutination reaction involves clumping of cells, not suitable for detecting botulinum toxin; Bordet-Gengou test is used to detect antibodies in pertussis infection, not botulinum toxin; and precipitation reaction involves the formation of a solid when two solutions are mixed, not ideal for detecting botulinum toxin.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because significant bacteriuria is defined as having more than 10^5 cells in 1 ml of midstream morning urine. This concentration indicates a true infection rather than contamination. Choice B is incorrect because the amount of urine does not determine significant bacteriuria. Choice C is incorrect because even a single bacterium in urine does not necessarily indicate an infection. Choice D is incorrect because not all statements are correct; only choice A accurately defines significant bacteriuria based on the bacterial concentration in urine samples.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium fits the description of Gram-negative diplococci that are oxidase-positive and fermentative. Neisseria meningitidis commonly causes pneumonia and meningitis. Choice B: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is also a Gram-negative diplococci but is not fermentative. Choice C: Moraxella catarrhalis is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. Choice D: Haemophilus influenzae is not fermentative and typically appears as pleomorphic rods, not diplococci.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Cytoplasmic membrane - essential. The cytoplasmic membrane is a crucial structure in bacteria as it regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell, provides structural support, and is essential for maintaining cell integrity. Without a functional cytoplasmic membrane, bacteria would not be able to survive. A: Nucleus is incorrect because bacteria do not have a true nucleus. B: Capsule - non-essential is incorrect because while the capsule provides protection and helps in adherence, it is not essential for bacterial survival. C: Mitochondria is incorrect because bacteria do not have mitochondria; they generate energy through other mechanisms. In summary, the cytoplasmic membrane is essential for bacterial survival, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Leptospirosis. Spiral-shaped bacteria with loose coils and pointed ends are characteristic of Leptospira interrogans, the causative agent of Leptospirosis. This bacterium is typically found in contaminated water or soil and can infect humans through contact with infected animals or water. Syphilis (Choice A) is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, which has a more tightly coiled shape and does not typically appear loose or pointed. Relapsing fever (Choice C) is caused by Borrelia species, which are also spirochetes but do not have the loose coils and pointed ends described. Lyme disease (Choice D) is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which, like Relapsing fever, does not match the morphology described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lowestein-Jensen. This is because Lowestein-Jensen medium is specifically designed to cultivate Mycobacterium tuberculosis, providing necessary nutrients and conditions for its growth. Loefller's medium is not optimal for cultivating M. tuberculosis. Choice C (All of the above) is incorrect as not all the options listed are suitable for cultivating M. tuberculosis. Choice D (None of the above) is also incorrect as Lowestein-Jensen is indeed the recommended growth medium for this bacterium.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: ocular lens. The ocular lens is the lens closest to the eye in a compound light microscope. This lens is responsible for magnifying the image produced by the objective lens. It typically has a magnification power of 10x. The objective lens, choice B, is positioned closer to the specimen and provides the primary magnification of the image. The condenser, choice C, is located beneath the stage and helps focus light onto the specimen. The stage, choice D, is where the specimen is placed for observation. Therefore, the ocular lens is the correct choice as it is the lens closest to the eye and responsible for further magnifying the image.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium known for forming endospores, which are resistant structures that allow the bacteria to survive harsh conditions like heat, radiation, and desiccation. This ability to form spores helps Bacillus subtilis to endure unfavorable environments. Staphylococcus aureus (A), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (C), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (D) do not form spores and lack the same level of resistance to extreme conditions as Bacillus subtilis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because bacterial vaginitis is often caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora, which can be disrupted by frequent douching (eliminating beneficial bacteria), tight clothing (restricting airflow), and non-breathable underwear. Avoiding tight pants and using cotton underwear allow for better ventilation, promoting a healthy vaginal environment. Infrequent douching helps maintain the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Choices A and B are incorrect because they recommend practices that can disrupt the vaginal flora and increase the risk of bacterial vaginitis. Choice C is partially correct but lacks the emphasis on avoiding frequent douching, which is crucial in preventing bacterial vaginitis.