A patient with a sore throat had a throat smear stained by Neisser's method. Microscopy revealed rods with polar dark blue granules. What microorganism is likely responsible?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of rods with polar dark blue granules stained by Neisser's method indicates metachromatic granules consistent with Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The characteristic staining pattern is due to the presence of polar granules in the bacterial cells, a feature specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium tetani, and Escherichia coli do not exhibit this staining pattern or morphology typical of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Anthrax bacillus, because it has the widest infectious spectrum among the options provided. Anthrax bacillus can infect a wide range of hosts, including humans and various animals. It is known for its ability to survive in different environments and cause disease through various routes of exposure. In contrast, choices B, C, and D have more limited infectious spectra. Mumps virus primarily infects humans, the causative agent of gonorrhea mainly affects humans through sexual contact, and the rabies virus typically infects mammals through bites from infected animals. Therefore, Anthrax bacillus is the correct choice due to its broader range of hosts and modes of transmission compared to the other options.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Adhesion and immune evasion. Bacterial capsules serve as a protective layer that aids in adhesion to surfaces and host cells, allowing bacteria to colonize and evade the immune system. This function is crucial for bacterial survival and pathogenicity. Choices A and D are incorrect because energy production and DNA replication are not primary functions of bacterial capsules. Choice B is incorrect because while bacterial capsules do provide some protection from desiccation, their primary function lies in adhesion and immune evasion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Amebiasis. The patient's symptoms of abdominal pain, loose stools with mucus and blood, along with the presence of protozoa containing phagocytosed erythrocytes in stool analysis are indicative of Entamoeba histolytica infection. The size (30-40 microns) and pseudopodia characteristics match E. histolytica. Amebiasis commonly presents with dysentery, while Leishmaniasis (B) typically causes skin ulcers. Trichomoniasis (C) is a sexually transmitted infection, not associated with the described symptoms. Giardiasis (D) is characterized by foul-smelling diarrhea and steatorrhea, not bloody diarrhea as seen in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The described attributes match those of Balantidium. The presence of cilia, oval shape with a narrowed front and wide back end, visible mouth, two nucleuses, and short vacuoles are all characteristic features of Balantidium. Balantidium is a ciliated protozoan parasite commonly found in the human intestine. The other choices can be eliminated based on specific characteristics: Lamblia lacks cilia and has a different shape, Dysenteric amoeba typically has a single nucleus, and Trichomonas does not have cilia or multiple nuclei. Therefore, based on the specific attributes described, the correct answer is Balantidium (Choice A).

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: protein synthesis. Bacterial ribosomes are responsible for translating messenger RNA into proteins through a process called translation. Ribosomes are composed of both protein and RNA molecules and facilitate the binding of transfer RNA to the messenger RNA to assemble the amino acids in the correct order to form a protein. DNA replication (A) is carried out by enzymes such as DNA polymerase, not ribosomes. Cell wall synthesis (C) is a process involving enzymes that build the structure of the cell wall in bacteria. RNA splicing (D) is a eukaryotic process that involves removing introns from pre-mRNA molecules, which is not a function of bacterial ribosomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Movement of the bacterial cell. Bacterial flagella are whip-like appendages that enable bacteria to move towards nutrients or away from harmful substances. This movement is essential for survival, dispersal, and colonization. Choice A is incorrect because attachment is primarily mediated by other structures like pili. Choice C is incorrect as protein synthesis occurs inside the cell and is not directly related to flagella. Choice D is incorrect as nutrient absorption is typically carried out through specific channels or transport systems, not by flagella.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Malaria. The patient's travel history to an endemic area like Tajikistan, along with symptoms of fever with chills, sweating, and hepatosplenomegaly, are classic for malaria. The blood test results show anemia (low RBC and hemoglobin levels), which can occur in malaria due to hemolysis. The presence of eosinophils and lymphocytes are not typical for malaria, but the overall clinical picture fits. Infectious mononucleosis (choice B) typically presents with sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and atypical lymphocytosis, which are not seen in this case. Sepsis (choice C) is characterized by systemic inflammatory response syndrome and organ dysfunction due to infection, which does not align with the symptoms and findings in the case. Typhoid fever (choice D) usually presents with gradual onset of sustained fever, abdominal pain, headache, and constipation, which are not present in this patient

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for producing a blue-green pigment called pyocyanin, which gives the characteristic color seen in the wound abscess. The distinctive odor of jasmine is also a key feature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Proteus vulgaris (B) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) do not produce blue-green pigment or have a jasmine-like odor. Escherichia coli (C) typically does not produce blue-green pigment or have a jasmine-like odor.