A patient with a respiratory infection had a sputum culture revealing Gram-negative diplococci. The bacteria were oxidase-positive and fermentative. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium is a Gram-negative diplococcus, oxidase-positive, and fermentative. Neisseria meningitidis is known to cause respiratory infections and is commonly found in sputum cultures of patients with such infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (B) is also a Gram-negative diplococcus but is not fermentative. Moraxella catarrhalis (C) is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. Haemophilus influenzae (D) is not a diplococcus and is not fermentative. Therefore, Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative agent based on the given characteristics.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are all known to cause meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of bacterial meningitis in young adults. Haemophilus influenzae is a leading cause of meningitis in children, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause in adults. Therefore, all three bacteria are responsible for causing meningitis, making option D the correct choice. Option A, B, and C are incorrect because they each represent only one of the bacteria responsible for causing meningitis, while option D includes all three.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Answer A (Sabouraud's) is correct: 1. Sabouraud's agar is a selective medium for fungi. 2. Candida is a type of fungus causing candidosis. 3. Sabouraud's agar promotes fungal growth. 4. Candida will grow on Sabouraud's agar, confirming the diagnosis. 5. Other choices are for bacterial culture, not suitable for fungal growth. Summary: - Endo, Jensen's, and Roux are not appropriate for fungal culture. - Sabouraud's agar specifically supports fungal growth, making it the correct choice for confirming candidosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Janssen. In the 16th century, Hans and Zacharias Janssen were a father-and-son team from the Netherlands who are credited with inventing the compound microscope. They constructed a simple tube with lenses at each end, which allowed for magnification of small objects. Their invention significantly contributed to the development of microscopy. Van Leeuwenhoek is known for his contributions to microscopy but did not invent the compound microscope. Semmelweis is known for his work in handwashing and preventing infection. Hooke made significant contributions to microscopy but did not invent the compound microscope.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidiasis. The large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus described in the stool sample is consistent with Balantidium coli, the causative agent of balantidiasis. Balantidium coli is the only ciliated protozoan parasite that infects humans and presents with these specific characteristics. Giardiasis (B) is caused by Giardia intestinalis, which is flagellated, not ciliated. Amoebiasis (C) is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which has an amoeboid shape, not ciliated. Trichomoniasis (D) is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, which is a flagellated protozoan and does not have a kidney-shaped macronucleus. Hence, the correct diagnosis in this case is Balantidiasis.