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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: protozoan. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. These parasites belong to the protozoa kingdom, not viruses (choice A), bacteria (choice B), or helminths (choice C). Protozoa have complex life cycles involving both mosquito and human hosts, leading to the development of malaria in humans. Other choices are incorrect as they do not align with the known etiology and characteristics of malaria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: germination. In the lytic life cycle of phages, germination is not a stage. The lytic cycle involves adsorption, penetration, replication, assembly, and lysis. Germination is typically associated with the lysogenic cycle, where the phage DNA integrates into the host genome. Therefore, A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are all stages of the lytic cycle. Penetration refers to the injection of phage DNA into the host cell, adsorption is the attachment of the phage to the host cell, and lysis is the final stage where the host cell bursts, releasing new phages.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice A being correct: 1. Parvovirus B19 is a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus. 2. The prefix "parvo-" indicates small size, characteristic of ssDNA viruses. 3. ssDNA viruses replicate in the host cell by converting their ssDNA genome into double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). 4. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Its genome consists of dsDNA. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Parvovirus B19 is a non-enveloped virus, making choice B incorrect. C: Parvovirus B19 has a linear ssDNA genome, not segmented, making choice C incorrect. D: Parvovirus B19 has two structural proteins - VP1 and VP2, making choice D incorrect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: "Fried egg" colonies typically refer to colonies with a raised center and flattened periphery, resembling the appearance of a fried egg. Step 2: Actinomycetes are filamentous bacteria known to form "fried egg" colonies in nutrient medium. Step 3: Actinomycetes are commonly found in soil and are known to be phytopathogenic microorganisms. Step 4: Actinomycetes produce secondary metabolites with medicinal properties, making them a likely agent from a medicinal herb. Overall, the correct answer is C (Actinomycetes) as they fit the description provided in the question and are commonly associated with the given scenario. The other choices are incorrect as they do not exhibit the specific characteristics mentioned in the question or are not typically associated with forming "fried egg" colonies in nutrient medium.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: H antigen. Flagellar antigen is typically referred to as the H antigen in bacteria. Flagella are the whip-like structures used for movement in bacteria, and the H antigen is specifically associated with the flagella. The other choices (A: D antigen, C: K antigen, D: F antigen) are not related to flagella in bacteria and are commonly associated with other types of antigens in bacterial classification.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because immunofluorescence slides are examined under a fluorescence microscope with a x100 oil immersion objective. This is because immunofluorescence relies on the detection of fluorescently labeled antibodies, which emit light when excited by a specific wavelength. Using a fluorescence microscope allows for visualization of these labeled antibodies at high magnification and resolution, enabling precise examination of cellular structures and protein localization. Choice B is incorrect as light microscopes are not suitable for visualizing fluorescence. Choice C is incorrect as electron microscopes use electrons, not light, for imaging, which is not compatible with immunofluorescence. Choice D is incorrect as there is a specific method for examining immunofluorescence slides.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Method of Moller. This method uses malachite green to stain bacterial spores due to their resistance to decolorization. The other choices, A, B, and D, are incorrect because Romanovski-Gymsa is used for staining blood smears, Ziehl-Nielsen is used for acid-fast bacteria, and Neisser is used for staining Neisseria species, not bacterial spores.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because there is specific prophylaxis available for influenza, such as the flu vaccine. Choice A is incorrect as influenza viruses are not spherical, they are typically pleomorphic. Choice B is incorrect because hemagglutinin and neuraminidase are indeed antigenically variable, contributing to the need for annual flu vaccines. Choice C is incorrect as the susceptibility of the population to influenza viruses can vary depending on factors such as immunity and vaccination status.