A patient with diarrhea had a stool sample that revealed Gram-negative rods that fermented lactose. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. Step-by-step rationale: 1. Gram-negative rods: E. coli is a Gram-negative rod bacterium. 2. Fermented lactose: E. coli is known to ferment lactose. 3. Common cause of diarrhea: E. coli is a common causative agent of infectious diarrhea. Summary: B: Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever, not typically associated with lactose fermentation. C: Shigella dysenteriae causes dysentery, not known for lactose fermentation. D: Proteus vulgaris is not a common cause of infectious diarrhea and does not typically ferment lactose.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: scanning electron microscope. A scanning electron microscope provides a three-dimensional image of a specimen by scanning a focused electron beam across the surface of the specimen, detecting the electrons that are emitted from the surface, and creating a detailed image. This is achieved through the detection of secondary electrons, backscattered electrons, and X-rays emitted from the specimen surface. A dark-field microscope (choice A) utilizes oblique lighting to enhance contrast and is not specifically designed to provide a 3D image. A transmission electron microscope (choice B) uses a beam of electrons transmitted through a specimen to create a 2D image at high magnification. A bright-field microscope (choice C) is a basic microscope that illuminates a specimen with uniform light and does not provide a 3D image like a scanning electron microscope does.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Facultative anaerobes. Facultative anaerobes can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. In aerobic conditions, they use oxygen for energy production, while in anaerobic conditions, they can switch to fermentation or anaerobic respiration. A: Obligate aerobes require oxygen to survive and cannot survive in anaerobic environments. C: Obligate anaerobes cannot survive in the presence of oxygen and only thrive in anaerobic conditions. D: Microaerophiles require low levels of oxygen to survive and cannot thrive in fully aerobic or anaerobic conditions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa all produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock. Endotoxins are components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria that can trigger a systemic inflammatory response, potentially leading to septic shock. E. coli and Salmonella are common causes of bacterial infections that can result in septic shock, while P. aeruginosa is known for causing infections in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, since all three bacteria produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock, the correct answer is D.Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these bacteria individually produces endotoxins that can contribute to septic shock.