A patient with a deep tissue infection had a wound culture revealing Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The bacteria were catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters that are catalase-positive and coagulase-negative points towards coagulase-negative staphylococci like Staphylococcus epidermidis. Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. Streptococcus pyogenes is catalase-negative. Enterococcus faecalis is catalase-negative and not typically seen in clusters. Therefore, the most likely causative agent in this scenario is Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Homemade canned meat. Botulism is caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which thrives in low-oxygen environments like improperly canned food. Homemade canned meat poses a higher risk of contamination as it may not have been processed correctly, allowing the bacteria to grow and produce toxins. Custard pastry, sour cream, and strawberries are less likely to cause botulism as they are not typically associated with the bacteria unless improperly handled or stored. Homemade canned meat is the most probable cause based on the characteristic symptoms of botulism and the conditions that favor the growth of Clostridium botulinum in canned food.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inactivation. In this method, the sputum sample is processed with a solution of caustic soda, which helps to kill any contaminants present and preserve the tuberculosis bacillus for microscopic examination. This step is crucial in ensuring accurate detection of the bacillus. A: Homogenization involves breaking down the sample to make it uniform, but it does not necessarily involve using caustic soda for inactivation. C: Flotation is a method used to separate different components based on their density and is not specific to inactivating tuberculosis bacillus. D: Filtration involves passing a sample through a filter to separate particles based on size and is not related to inactivating the tuberculosis bacillus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria, some of which are endospore forming. Cocci are spherical, spirals are spiral-shaped, and vibrios are curved rod-shaped bacteria. Bacilli specifically refer to rod-shaped bacteria, making it the correct answer in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for producing a blue-green pigment called pyocyanin, which gives the characteristic color seen in the wound abscess. The distinctive odor of jasmine is also a key feature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Proteus vulgaris (B) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) do not produce blue-green pigment or have a jasmine-like odor. Escherichia coli (C) typically does not produce blue-green pigment or have a jasmine-like odor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Adenoviruses are known to have icosahedral capsids, not helical. Step 2: Helical capsids are typically found in viruses like tobacco mosaic virus. Step 3: Therefore, the statement that adenoviruses have helical capsids is FALSE. Summary: A is incorrect as adenoviruses do not have helical capsids. C is incorrect as there is no situation where adenoviruses have helical capsids. D is incorrect as there is a clear correct answer, which is B.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium produces a toxin that causes diphtheria by inhibiting protein synthesis, leading to the formation of a pseudomembrane in the throat. Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat, and Neisseria meningitidis causes meningitis. Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the only bacterium among the choices known to cause diphtheria due to its specific toxin production.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: cytomegalovirus. CMV is the most common virus transmitted during pregnancy, leading to potential serious complications for the fetus. It can cause birth defects, hearing loss, and developmental delays. CMV is commonly spread through bodily fluids. HIV (B) can also be transmitted during pregnancy but is less common. Herpes simplex virus (C) can be transmitted but typically results in localized infection. Epstein-Barr virus (D) is not commonly transmitted during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chlamydia. Chlamydia lacks the essential enzymes for ATP synthesis and relies on host cell ATP. Enterococci, Rickettsia, and Staphylococci possess the necessary enzymes for ATP synthesis through cellular respiration. Chlamydia's inability to synthesize ATP makes it dependent on the host cell for energy production, distinguishing it from the other bacteria listed.