A patient with a severe case of pneumonia had sputum stained using the Gram method. The smear revealed Gram-positive cocci arranged in pairs with a capsule. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia and is characterized by being Gram-positive cocci arranged in pairs with a capsule, as described in the question. The presence of a capsule is a key characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae, distinguishing it from the other choices. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci, but it typically forms clusters, not pairs. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) is a Gram-negative rod, not a Gram-positive cocci. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is a Gram-positive cocci, but it does not typically present with a capsule in the same way Streptococcus pneumoniae does.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Filamentous spiral nucleocapsid is characteristic of Filoviridae, such as Ebola virus. 2. Linear unsegmented single strand (-) RNA is a key feature of Filoviridae genomes. 3. The lipid bilayer membrane of cellular origin is found in Filoviridae viruses. 4. Therefore, the correct answer is B (Filoviridae) due to the alignment of all three morphological features. Summary: - A (Picornaviridae): Has an icosahedral capsid, not filamentous spiral. - C (Orthomyxoviridae): Has a segmented genome, not linear unsegmented. - D (Togaviridae): Has a spherical capsid, not filamentous spiral.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identification. Bacteria are studied by identification to determine their specific characteristics and differentiate between different species. Taxonomy (A) is the science of classification, not specific to bacteria. Classification (B) is the process of grouping organisms based on shared characteristics, not specific to bacteria. Nomenclature (D) is the naming system for organisms, not the primary method for studying bacteria. Therefore, identification (C) is the correct choice for studying bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trichomonas vaginalis. 1. Symptoms of urogenital inflammation match Trichomonas vaginalis infection. 2. Description matches Trichomonas vaginalis characteristics: pear-shaped, pointed spike, big nucleus, undulating membrane. 3. Trichomonas hominis and buccalis do not typically infect urogenital tracts. 4. Trypanosoma gambiense causes African trypanosomiasis, not urogenital infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anatoxin. An anatoxin is a preparation that contains inactivated toxins produced by the anthrax-causing bacteria. By administering anatoxin, the population can develop immunity against the toxin without being exposed to the live bacteria. This specific prophylaxis approach helps prevent the development of anthrax infection by targeting the toxin itself. Summary: - Choice B (Inactivated vaccine) is incorrect because an inactivated vaccine typically contains killed or inactivated whole bacteria, not just the toxins. - Choice C (Chemical vaccine) is incorrect as there is no such thing as a chemical vaccine; vaccines are biological preparations. - Choice D (Genetically engineered vaccine) is incorrect because while vaccines can be genetically engineered, the specific term "genetically engineered vaccine" does not accurately describe the prophylaxis used against anthrax in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Shiga anatoxin. This is because the Salk and Sabin vaccines are actually for polio, not chemical vaccines. HPV vaccine is a biological vaccine, not a chemical one. Shiga anatoxin is a chemical vaccine used against Shigella bacteria, making it the only correct choice for chemical vaccines in this question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the defense role of the skin is not related to lysozyme activity. Lysozyme is an enzyme found in tears, saliva, and mucus, not specifically in the skin. The skin's defense role is primarily related to its physical barrier function, low pH creating an acidic environment that inhibits microbial growth, secretion of antimicrobial peptides, and the activity of skin macrophages that phagocytose pathogens. Choices A, B, and C are true statements as they correctly describe different aspects of the skin's defense mechanisms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: urethra. Resident microflora refers to the normal, beneficial bacteria that inhabit a specific area of the body without causing harm. The urethra is one of the locations where resident microflora are commonly found. These bacteria play a vital role in maintaining a healthy balance and preventing harmful pathogens from colonizing the urethra. Blood (A), lung (B), and cerebro-spinal fluid (D) are not typical locations for resident microflora as these areas are usually sterile or have very limited microbial presence to prevent infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obligate anaerobes. These bacteria can only survive in the absence of oxygen as they lack the enzymes needed for aerobic respiration. They typically use fermentation or anaerobic respiration for energy production. Incorrect choices: B: Facultative anaerobes can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism based on oxygen availability. C: Obligate aerobes require oxygen for survival and cannot survive in anoxic conditions. D: Microaerophiles require low levels of oxygen for growth and are not capable of surviving in completely anoxic conditions.