A patient presented with fever and cough. A sputum sample stained by Gram's method revealed Gram-positive diplococci with a capsule. What is the likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The presence of Gram-positive diplococci with a capsule is characteristic of S. pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia, especially in patients with fever and cough. It is also known for causing infections such as otitis media and sinusitis. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci but does not typically form diplococci or have a capsule. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus commonly associated with meningitis, not pneumonia. Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is a Gram-negative rod, not a diplococcus, and is more commonly associated with pneumonia in immunocompromised patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Morphologic features. Bacterial families are classified based on their morphologic features such as shape, size, and arrangement. This classification helps in identifying and studying different bacterial species. Choice B, Geographic features, is incorrect as bacterial classification is not based on their geographic distribution. Choice C, Historical features, is incorrect as it does not play a role in the classification of bacterial families. Choice D, Physiologic features, is also incorrect as physiological characteristics are used for further classification within bacterial families, not as a general characteristic.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Intracellular parasitism. Genus Rickettsia representatives are known for their ability to live and replicate inside the host's cells, making them obligate intracellular parasites. This characteristic distinguishes them from other bacteria. A: Gram-positive cell wall is incorrect because Rickettsia have a gram-negative cell wall. B: High resistance to external environment factors is incorrect because Rickettsia are sensitive to environmental conditions and require specific host cells for survival. D: None of the above is incorrect because Rickettsia do exhibit the characteristic of intracellular parasitism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Urogenital trichomoniasis. The presence of pyriform protozoa with a spine, flagella at their front, and an undulating membrane in a vaginal smear indicates Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of urogenital trichomoniasis. Trichomonas vaginalis is sexually transmitted and causes vaginal discharge, itching, and inflammation. Lambliasis (choice B) is caused by Giardia lamblia, which is not characterized by the described features. Intestinal trichomoniasis (choice C) is caused by a different species, Tritrichomonas foetus, and presents with diarrhea in cattle. Toxoplasmosis (choice D) is caused by Toxoplasma gondii and typically affects the brain and other organs, not the genital tract.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA is the compound that combines with oxaloacetic acid at the beginning of the Krebs cycle to form citric acid. This step is essential for the cycle to proceed, making acetyl-CoA the correct choice. A: Citric acid is formed after acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetic acid, so it is a product of the reaction, not the compound that enters the cycle. B: Pyruvic acid is converted to acetyl-CoA in a separate process before entering the Krebs cycle. D: Phosphoglyceraldehyde is not involved in the Krebs cycle; it is a compound in glycolysis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: to sequester iron from the environment. Siderophores are molecules produced by bacteria to chelate and acquire iron, an essential nutrient for their growth and survival. By sequestering iron, bacteria can compete with host cells and other microbes for this vital resource. This enhances their ability to thrive and establish infections. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because siderophores do not directly enhance antibiotic resistance, form capsules, or perform oxidative phosphorylation. These functions are unrelated to the primary role of siderophores in iron acquisition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because there are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. Choice A is incorrect because there is more than one type. Choices C and D are also incorrect as there are only two types of herpes simplex virus known to infect humans.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Adhesins in gram positive bacteria are typically carried out by surface structures such as lipoteichoic acids. These molecules help the bacteria adhere to host cells or tissues. Lipoteichoic acids are specific to gram positive bacteria and play a crucial role in initiating infections. Fimbriae, flagella, and short chain mycolic acids are not primarily responsible for adhesion in gram positive bacteria. Fimbriae are more commonly found in gram negative bacteria, flagella are involved in motility, and short chain mycolic acids are specific to mycobacteria. Therefore, the correct answer is A, lipoteichoic acids.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ancylostoma duodenale. A scolex is a structure found in tapeworms, not in the other options which are roundworms. Ancylostoma duodenale is a species of hookworm, a type of intestinal parasite that has a distinct scolex with hook-like mouthparts for attachment to the host's intestinal wall. Enterobius vermicularis is a pinworm, Necator americanus is a hookworm species without a scolex, and Ascaris lumbricoides is a roundworm with a cylindrical body lacking a scolex. Therefore, the presence of a scolex specifically points to Ancylostoma duodenale.