A patient with a sore throat had a throat smear revealing Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Gram-positive cocci in pairs indicate Streptococcus pneumoniae. 2. Presence of a capsule points to S. pneumoniae as it has a polysaccharide capsule. 3. S. pneumoniae commonly causes sore throat. 4. Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae are not typically associated with sore throat.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Treponema pallidum. This bacterium is responsible for causing syphilis due to its unique spiral shape and ability to penetrate mucous membranes. It is transmitted through sexual contact or from mother to child during childbirth. Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia, and Escherichia coli is a common bacterium found in the gut. Therefore, they are not responsible for syphilis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Streptococcus mutans is known for its ability to produce lactic acid, which contributes to the demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to dental caries. Step 2: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen and not directly associated with dental caries. Step 3: Bacillus cereus is a foodborne pathogen and not typically found in the oral cavity or associated with dental caries. Step 4: Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, a neurological condition, and is not involved in the formation of dental caries. Summary: Choice A is correct as Streptococcus mutans is specifically linked to dental caries due to its acidogenic and aciduric properties. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not associated with dental caries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The polysaccharide capsule. The capsule of Neisseria meningitidis plays a crucial role in its virulence by preventing phagocytosis, allowing the bacteria to evade the host's immune system. This leads to increased survival and colonization in the host. Choice B: The beta lactamase is incorrect because it is an enzyme that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics and does not directly contribute to the virulence of Neisseria meningitidis. Choice C: The erythrogenic toxin is incorrect as this toxin is produced by Streptococcus pyogenes, not Neisseria meningitidis. Choice D: None of the above is incorrect as the polysaccharide capsule is indeed a key virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 4 and 250. Coli index is calculated by dividing the number of red colonies by the volume of water analyzed, which gives 2 red colonies / 500 ml = 4. Coli titer is the reciprocal of the coli index, so it is 1 / 4 = 250. This indicates the concentration of coliform bacteria in the water sample. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not follow the correct calculation steps for determining the coli index and coli titer. B has the correct coli index but incorrect coli titer. C and D have the values reversed, leading to incorrect results.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Antitoxic passive immunity. Antibotulinic serum contains pre-formed antibodies against the botulinum toxin, providing immediate protection to the patient. This is passive immunity as the patient does not produce their antibodies but receives them externally. Choice B is incorrect as botulism is not an infection, so the patient does not develop infection immunity. Choice C is incorrect because active immunity involves the body producing its antibodies after exposure to an antigen, which is not the case here. Choice D is incorrect as antimicrobic immunity relates to protection against microbes, not toxins like in botulism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Tularemia is caused by Francisella tularensis, a highly infectious bacterium. 2. Francisella tularensis is the only pathogen specifically known to cause tularemia. 3. The other choices (Bordetella pertussis, Brucella suis, Legionella sp.) are not associated with tularemia. 4. Therefore, the correct answer is A - Francisella tularensis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: thimerosal. Thimerosal is a mercury-containing compound used as a preservative in vaccines. It helps prevent contamination and growth of bacteria and fungi in multi-dose vials. Choice A, analgesic, refers to pain relievers, not preservatives. Choice B, EDTA, is a chelating agent used to bind metal ions and is not a preservative. Choice C, codeine, is an opioid pain medication and not a preservative used in vaccines. Thimerosal is the correct answer as it specifically fits the description of a mercury-containing compound used in vaccines.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (100°C) because the Koch apparatus is used for sterilization, and the standard temperature for sterilization is 100°C. At this temperature, most microorganisms are killed, making it an effective method for sterilization. Choice A (90°C), B (95°C), and D (110°C) are incorrect because they are not commonly used temperatures for sterilization purposes. Choosing a temperature lower than 100°C may not effectively kill all microorganisms, while choosing a temperature higher than 100°C may lead to unnecessary energy consumption without providing additional sterilization benefits.