A patient with a deep tissue infection had Gram-negative rods isolated from the wound culture. The bacteria were oxidase-positive and non-lactose fermenters. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas is a Gram-negative rod, oxidase-positive, and non-lactose fermenter. These characteristics are typical of Pseudomonas species. B: Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative rod but is lactose fermenter and usually oxidase-negative. C: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod, non-lactose fermenter, but is usually oxidase-negative. D: Shigella dysenteriae is a Gram-negative rod, non-lactose fermenter, but is usually oxidase-negative and is more associated with causing shigellosis rather than deep tissue infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the correct answer because it is the specific bacterium responsible for causing gonorrhea. It is a sexually transmitted infection that primarily affects the genital tract. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is transmitted through sexual contact and can lead to symptoms such as painful urination, discharge, and pelvic pain. Chlamydia trachomatis (Choice B) is another sexually transmitted bacterium, but it causes chlamydia, not gonorrhea. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Choice C) is responsible for tuberculosis, a different infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. Treponema pallidum (Choice D) causes syphilis, another sexually transmitted infection that presents with distinct symptoms from gonorrhea. Therefore, Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the correct choice for causing gonorrhea due to its specific association with this particular infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above." Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, Salmonella enterica causes salmonellosis, and Escherichia coli can cause foodborne illnesses such as E. coli infection. All three bacteria are associated with foodborne illnesses due to contamination of food or water sources. Therefore, selecting "All of the above" is the most appropriate choice as it includes all the bacteria commonly linked to foodborne illnesses. The other choices (A, B, and C) are incorrect because they do not encompass all the bacteria associated with foodborne illnesses as stated above.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Streptococcus mutans is known for its ability to produce acids that contribute to the demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to dental caries. Step 2: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections, not dental caries. Step 3: Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, a serious bacterial infection, not dental caries. Step 4: Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, a severe form of food poisoning, not dental caries. Summary: Streptococcus mutans is the correct answer as it is specifically associated with causing dental caries, while the other choices are linked to different diseases.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct descending order of taxonomic categories is domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species. This hierarchical classification system helps organize and categorize living organisms based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. Explanation: - Domain is the broadest category, representing the highest level of classification. - Kingdom further divides organisms into major groups based on similar characteristics. - Phylum, class, order, family, and genus successively narrow down the classification based on more specific shared characteristics. - Species is the most specific category, representing individual organisms capable of interbreeding. Summary of other choices: A: Incorrect as it has the incorrect order of phylum, kingdom, and division. B: Incorrect as it has the incorrect order of family and species. D: Incorrect as it has the incorrect order of domain, kingdom, and class.