A patient with chronic diarrhea had a stool sample revealing cysts with four nuclei. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This is because Entamoeba histolytica is known to cause amebic dysentery, leading to chronic diarrhea. The presence of cysts with four nuclei in the stool sample is characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica. Giardia lamblia (choice B) is known to cause diarrhea but does not present with cysts containing four nuclei. Balantidium coli (choice C) is a ciliated protozoan that can cause diarrhea, but it does not have cysts with four nuclei. Trichomonas hominis (choice D) is a non-pathogenic protozoan commonly found in the human colon and is not associated with causing chronic diarrhea or cysts with four nuclei.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because hemagglutinin of influenza viruses serves as an attachment molecule to the receptor of the target cell, facilitating viral entry. This is crucial for the virus to infect host cells. Choice A is incorrect because hemagglutinin is not part of the viral capsid but rather a surface protein. Choice B is incorrect as hemagglutinin is not directly involved in viral replication, but in host cell attachment. Choice D is incorrect as hemagglutinin is highly antigenic, triggering the host's immune response.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nystatin. Nystatin is an antifungal medication, not an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like generalized meningococcal infection. Penicillin G, macrolides, and chloramphenicol are antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections, including meningococcal infections. Penicillin G is the drug of choice for meningococcal infections, while macrolides and chloramphenicol are alternative options. Nystatin is not effective against bacteria, so it is not a suitable treatment for meningococcal infections.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Clostridium botulinum) can produce toxins leading to food poisoning. Staphylococcus aureus produces heat-stable toxins causing rapid onset of symptoms. Escherichia coli can produce toxins like Shiga toxin leading to severe foodborne illness. Clostridium botulinum produces neurotoxins causing botulism. Choice A, B, and C are incorrect because each bacteria can produce toxins that are harmful if ingested.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because anaerobic bacteria can grow in environments without oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen for their metabolism and energy production. They can thrive in oxygen-deprived conditions by using alternative electron acceptors. Choice A is incorrect because anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen to survive. Choice C is incorrect because anaerobic bacteria typically cannot survive in the presence of high concentrations of oxygen. Choice D is incorrect because anaerobic bacteria do not perform photosynthesis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Parenteral introduction of antitetanus serum. The symptoms described in the question, such as bilateral ptosis, mydriatic pupils, and difficulty reading, are indicative of tetanus infection. The source of infection could be the scratch on the knee, which allowed the tetanus bacteria to enter the body. The most appropriate therapy for tetanus is the administration of antitetanus serum to neutralize the tetanus toxin. Antibotulinic serum (choice A) is not appropriate as it is used for botulism, which presents differently. Disintoxication (choice B) is too general and does not address the specific cause of the symptoms. Antibiotics (choice C) are not effective in treating tetanus because it is caused by a toxin, not a bacterial infection. Therefore, the correct course of action is to administer antitetanus serum to the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Chlorhexidine belongs to the group of biguanides, making choice A accurate. Step 2: It is commonly used for disinfection of hands, skin, and mucous membranes. Step 3: It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, making it widely applicable. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as chlorhexidine is not classified as an alcohol. Choice C is incorrect as chlorhexidine has various applications. Choice D is incorrect as chlorhexidine is generally safe for use with low toxicity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The given characteristics match this bacterium: Gram-positive diplococci, catalase-negative, and alpha-hemolytic. S. pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Other choices are incorrect because Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive, Enterococcus faecalis is not alpha-hemolytic, and Klebsiella pneumoniae is not Gram-positive diplococci.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is a major cause of gastric ulcers by disrupting the balance between aggressive (acid, pepsin) and defensive (mucus, bicarbonate, prostaglandins) factors in the stomach lining. H. pylori infection leads to inflammation, weakening the protective mucosal barrier, making the stomach more susceptible to damage. Choices B, C, and D are defensive factors that help protect the stomach lining and prevent ulcer formation, so they do not contribute to the development of gastric ulcers.