A patient with a wound infection had Gram-positive cocci in clusters isolated from a wound culture. The organism was catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. What is the likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: 1. Gram-positive cocci in clusters suggest Staphylococcus species. 2. Catalase-positive and coagulase-positive characteristics match with Staphylococcus aureus. 3. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of wound infections due to its virulence factors. 4. Other choices are incorrect: B) S. epidermidis is coagulase-negative and a common contaminant, C) S. pyogenes is catalase-negative, D) Enterococcus faecalis is not typically associated with wound infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Halophiles. Halophiles are bacteria that thrive in high-salinity environments due to their ability to tolerate high salt concentrations. They have adapted mechanisms to maintain osmotic balance and survive in such extreme conditions. Thermophiles (B) thrive in high-temperature environments, not high-salinity. Acidophiles (C) prefer acidic conditions, not high-salinity. Mesophiles (D) grow optimally at moderate temperatures and are not specifically adapted to high-salinity environments.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ebola virus. The patient's symptoms align with Ebola virus infection, including fever, severe hemorrhagic syndrome, and CNS involvement. Ebola virus is known to cause hemorrhagic fevers with high mortality rates. A: SARS CoV causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which typically presents with respiratory symptoms, not hemorrhagic fever. B: Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus usually causes a mild illness with flu-like symptoms, not severe hemorrhagic syndrome. D: ECHO 9 virus is associated with aseptic meningitis, not hemorrhagic fever.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bordetella. The presence of mercury-drop like colonies on Bordet-Gengou agar indicates Bordetella pertussis. The small ovoid gram-negative bacilli sized 1-3 microns are characteristic of Bordetella species. Catarrhal symptoms are typical of pertussis caused by Bordetella pertussis. Summary of other choices: B: Corynebacteria do not typically exhibit mercury-drop like colonies or small ovoid shapes. C: Mycobacteria are acid-fast bacilli and do not grow on Bordet-Gengou agar. D: Meningococcus is a gram-negative diplococcus and does not match the description provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Family Reoviridae. Reassortment of gene segments occurs in segmented viruses like Reoviruses. In Reoviridae, each segment encodes a specific protein, allowing for reassortment to generate new strains. Togaviridae (A) is a non-segmented virus, not capable of reassortment. Picornaviridae (C) and Paramyxoviruses (D) are also non-segmented viruses, limiting their ability for reassortment. Therefore, the correct choice is B due to the segmented nature of Reoviruses allowing for genetic reassortment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lowestein-Jensen. This is because Lowestein-Jensen medium is specifically designed to cultivate Mycobacterium tuberculosis, providing necessary nutrients and conditions for its growth. Loefller's medium is not optimal for cultivating M. tuberculosis. Choice C (All of the above) is incorrect as not all the options listed are suitable for cultivating M. tuberculosis. Choice D (None of the above) is also incorrect as Lowestein-Jensen is indeed the recommended growth medium for this bacterium.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium tetani are both spore-forming bacteria. 2. Spores allow them to survive harsh conditions like extreme heat or lack of nutrients. 3. Choice C is correct because both A and B (Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium tetani) produce spores. 4. Choice D is incorrect as both bacteria mentioned are known to produce spores, enabling them to survive in extreme conditions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because during the incubation period of Salmonella Typhi infection, the bacteria multiply in the macrophages of the Peyer's patches and solitary follicles. This is supported by the fact that S. Typhi is an intracellular pathogen that targets the lymphoid tissues of the intestines. Macrophages in these areas serve as the primary host cells for the bacteria, allowing for their replication and evasion of the host immune response. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because S. Typhi does not primarily multiply in the small intestine enterocytes, the lumen of the small intestine, or hepatocytes during the initial stages of infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because utilizing all three methods—immunofluorescence, viral neutralization reaction, and electron microscopy—provides a comprehensive and rapid diagnosis of various viral infections. Immunofluorescence detects viral antigens directly, viral neutralization reaction demonstrates the presence of specific antibodies, and electron microscopy visualizes viral particles. This combination ensures accurate and quick identification of different viruses. Choices A, B, and C alone may not cover all aspects of viral diagnosis, making them less effective compared to the comprehensive approach of using all three methods.