A patient with abdominal pain had a stool culture revealing non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rods that produced gas in a nutrient broth. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Proteus vulgaris. This is because Proteus species are non-lactose-fermenting Gram-negative rods that are known to produce gas in nutrient broths. Proteus vulgaris is commonly associated with urinary tract infections and can also cause abdominal infections. A: Salmonella typhi typically causes typhoid fever and is not known to produce gas in nutrient broths. B: Shigella dysenteriae is a causative agent of dysentery and does not typically produce gas in nutrient broths. C: Escherichia coli is a lactose-fermenting bacterium and does not fit the description of the organism in the stool culture.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Cytoplasmic inclusions in bacteria refer to substances like granules. These granules can be excess products of metabolism or reserve substances stored for future use. Therefore, all of the choices are correct as cytoplasmic inclusions can be any of these substances. A is correct as it directly refers to cytoplasmic inclusions. B is correct as some granules can be excess metabolic products. C is correct as certain granules can serve as reserve substances. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as it encompasses all the possible types of substances found as cytoplasmic inclusions in bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterium is known for causing Lyme disease, which is transmitted through tick bites. Borrelia burgdorferi is specifically associated with Lyme disease due to its ability to infect and spread within the body, leading to a range of symptoms if left untreated. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Clostridium difficile - Known for causing gastrointestinal infections, not Lyme disease. C: Streptococcus pneumoniae - Commonly causes pneumonia and other respiratory infections, not Lyme disease. D: Mycobacterium tuberculosis - Causes tuberculosis, a respiratory disease, not Lyme disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 1. Water testing facilities typically handle low-risk microorganisms, hence requiring Biosafety Level 1. BSL 1 is suitable for working with well-characterized agents not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adults. BSL 2 is for moderate-risk agents, BSL 3 for high-risk agents, and BSL 4 for dangerous pathogens. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect for water testing facilities due to the low risk involved in handling the microorganisms found in water samples.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helicobacter. Helicobacter pylori is the main causative agent of peptic ulcer disease and is characterized by its gram-negative arcuate bent shape and positive urease activity. Helicobacter pylori specifically colonizes the stomach mucosa and is associated with various gastrointestinal disorders. Spirochetes (choice B), spirilla (choice C), and Leptospira (choice D) are not typically associated with peptic ulcer disease or stomach mucosa infections, making them incorrect choices in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In anaphase, sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. This is facilitated by the shortening of microtubules attached to the centromeres. Prophase is the phase where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Metaphase is when chromosomes align at the metaphase plate. Telophase is when the nuclear envelope reforms and chromosomes decondense. Therefore, anaphase is the correct phase for chromatid separation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, proportion 4:1. Gram (+) bacteria have a higher ratio of MG-ribonucleate to Mg. deoxyribonucleate because ribosomal RNA is more abundant in actively growing bacterial cells. This higher proportion of MG-ribonucleate to Mg. deoxyribonucleate is essential for protein synthesis and growth. The other choices are incorrect because they do not reflect the higher ratio of ribosomal RNA to DNA in Gram (+) bacteria, which is crucial for their metabolic activities and cellular functions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above," because all three bacteria listed (Vibrio cholerae, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli) produce toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to severe diarrhea. Clostridium difficile produces toxins causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Escherichia coli can produce toxins such as Shiga toxin causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, all the options listed are correct in producing toxins that can result in severe gastrointestinal illness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: S. aureus is known to produce hemolysins, leucocidins, and enterotoxin. Step 2: S. aureus colonies usually exhibit golden-yellow pigmentation with beta-hemolytic zones. Step 3: S. aureus has developed resistance to penicillin due to the production of beta-lactamase. Step 4: Therefore, statement C is not true as S. aureus is not always sensitive to penicillin. Summary: Choices A and B are correct statements about S. aureus, while choice C is incorrect due to the increasing penicillin resistance seen in S. aureus.