A patient with diarrhea had stool culture revealing non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rods. The bacteria were oxidase-positive and fermentative. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Salmonella typhi. The patient's symptoms of diarrhea and the characteristics of non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rods that are oxidase-positive and fermentative are consistent with Salmonella typhi. Salmonella typhi is the causative agent of typhoid fever, which presents with symptoms like diarrhea. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (choice A) is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. Escherichia coli (choice B) is both lactose-fermenting and oxidase-negative. Shigella dysenteriae (choice D) is oxidase-negative. Therefore, Salmonella typhi is the most likely causative agent based on the given information.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Single stranded segmented (-) RNA. Orthomyxoviridae family includes influenza viruses, which have a genome composed of single-stranded segmented negative-sense RNA. This specific structure allows for efficient replication and transcription within host cells. Choice A is incorrect as orthomyxoviruses do not have a double-stranded DNA genome. Choice B is incorrect because orthomyxoviruses have a negative-sense RNA genome, not a positive-sense RNA genome. Choice C is incorrect as orthomyxoviruses do not have a double-stranded RNA genome.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The main function of bacterial pili is to facilitate conjugation and adhesion. Pili are hair-like appendages on bacteria that help in cell-to-cell interactions. They play a crucial role in bacterial conjugation by allowing the transfer of genetic material between cells. Additionally, pili help bacteria adhere to surfaces or host cells, aiding in colonization and biofilm formation. Choices A and D are incorrect because protein synthesis and toxin secretion are not the primary functions of pili. Choice C is incorrect as bacterial motility is mainly mediated by flagella, not pili.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Purple-stained diplococci suggest Gram-positive cocci. 2. Capsule presence is a characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae. 3. S. pneumoniae is known to form diplococci arrangements. 4. Therefore, the microorganism most likely present is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Summary: - B: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod, not a cocci. - C: Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a capsule producer. - D: Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative rod, not a cocci or capsule producer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because penicillins and cephalosporins inactivate transpeptidase activity of penicillin binding proteins, leading to disruption of bacterial cell wall synthesis. This mechanism makes them bactericidal, not bacteriostatic (choice B). Choice C is incorrect as penicillins and cephalosporins target cell wall synthesis, not the cytoplasmic membrane. Choice D is incorrect as option A is the correct statement.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba gingivalis. This organism matches the description provided in the question - unicellular with pseudopodia and ingested white blood cells, commonly found in dental plaque. Entamoeba gingivalis is known to inhabit the oral cavity and is associated with periodontal disease. Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia lamblia, and Balantidium coli do not match the characteristics mentioned in the question and are not typically found in the oral cavity.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the rabies virus. Rabies virus has the widest infectious spectrum among the given choices because it can infect a wide range of mammals, including humans. This is due to its ability to infect nerve cells and spread throughout the central nervous system. The other choices have more limited infectious spectra. Anthrax bacillus primarily infects herbivores and humans, mumps virus infects mainly humans, and the causative agent of gonorrhea primarily infects humans through sexual contact. Therefore, the rabies virus is the correct answer as it has the broadest range of potential hosts.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Salmonella typhi, because it is a motile bacterium due to possessing flagella that aid in movement. Bacillus anthracis (A) is non-motile, Klebsiella pneumoniae (B) lacks flagella for motility, and Shigella flexneri (C) is non-motile as well. Salmonella typhi (D) is known for its flagella-driven motility, allowing it to move and spread within its host and environment. Flagella are essential for bacterial motility, enabling them to navigate and colonize different environments efficiently.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Escherichia coli. E. coli is a common bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract and is a leading cause of UTIs. It has specific virulence factors that enable it to adhere to and infect the urinary tract. Salmonella enterica causes food poisoning, Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, and Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat and skin infections, not UTIs. Therefore, B is the correct answer as it is the only bacterium known for causing UTIs.