A patient with fever and chills had blood cultures revealing Gram-negative rods that were oxidase-positive and lactose non-fermenters. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas is a Gram-negative rod, oxidase-positive, and a lactose non-fermenter. The presence of fever and chills suggests a systemic infection, which is common with Pseudomonas. Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, and Escherimalia coli are all Gram-negative rods but are typically lactose fermenters and do not match the characteristics described in the question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. The presence of Gram-positive cocci arranged in clusters, catalase-positive, and coagulase-negative characteristics are indicative of Staphylococcus species. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common skin commensal that causes wound infections. Staphylococcus aureus is coagulase-positive and often causes more aggressive infections. Streptococcus pyogenes is catalase-negative and typically forms chains, not clusters. Enterococcus faecalis is catalase-negative and commonly found in the GI tract, not a common cause of wound infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: infants. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is most common in infants because their immune systems are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to Staphylococcus aureus infections. This bacteria produces exotoxins that cause the skin to blister and peel, characteristic of the syndrome. Adolescents, young adults, and the elderly have more mature immune systems, making them less vulnerable to this specific infection. Therefore, infants are at a higher risk for developing Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome compared to other age groups.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is Actinomycosis. This is because the patient's presentation of a painful swelling with a fistula containing white granules and yellow-green honeycomb-like tissue is classic for Actinomycosis. Actinomyces is a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that forms sulfur granules in tissues. Tuberculosis (B) typically presents with caseating granulomas, not sulfur granules. Leprosy (C) presents with skin lesions and nerve damage, not characteristic of this case. Syphilis (D) usually presents with painless ulcers and rash, not the painful swelling and fistula seen in this patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Thin mobile bacillus with central spore. This is because the causative agent of botulism, Clostridium botulinum, is a gram-positive bacillus that typically appears as a thin rod-shaped bacterium with a central endospore. This characteristic morphology is essential in the identification of Clostridium botulinum. A: Gram-positive bacillus with subterminal spore - This is incorrect as Clostridium botulinum typically has a central endospore, not a subterminal one. B: Thick gram-positive non-spore-forming bacillus - This is incorrect as Clostridium botulinum forms endospores, although they are not thick. C: Gram-positive bacillus with terminal spore - This is incorrect as the spore of Clostridium botulinum is typically central, not terminal.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quorum sensing in bacteria refers to a process of cell-cell communication. Bacteria release signaling molecules to communicate with each other, coordinating group behaviors such as biofilm formation or virulence factor production when a certain population density is reached. This communication helps bacteria respond collectively to environmental cues. A: Incorrect - Locomotion refers to movement, not communication between bacteria. C: Incorrect - Uptake of foreign DNA is related to genetic transfer mechanisms, not communication. D: Incorrect - Antibiotic resistance mechanisms may involve genetic changes but are not directly related to inter-bacterial communication. In summary, quorum sensing is a vital communication system that allows bacteria to coordinate behaviors for survival and adaptation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epidemic typhus. This disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia prowazekii, which is transmitted by body lice. The symptoms include high fever, body rash, and tiny wounds due to scratching. The presence of lice in the clothing suggests a possible lice-borne disease like epidemic typhus. Summary: - B: Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, transmitted through ticks, deer flies, and contact with infected animals. Lice are not involved in its transmission. - C: Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, leading to itching and skin rashes. It is not associated with high fever or lice infestation. - D: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The symptoms differ from those described in the scenario, and lice are not involved in its

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acid resistance. Tuberculosis mycobacteria have a unique cell wall structure that makes them resistant to acid-fast staining methods like Ziehl-Neelsen. This is due to the high lipid content of their cell walls, specifically mycolic acids, which prevent the penetration of stains and acids. The red bacilli observed in the smear indicate that the mycobacteria retained the primary stain (carbolfuchsin) after acid-alcohol decolorization, confirming their acid resistance. Summary: - Choice A: Acid resistance is correct due to the unique cell wall structure of tuberculosis mycobacteria. - Choice B: Alkali resistance is incorrect as mycobacteria are not known for being resistant to alkalis. - Choice C: Alcohol resistance is incorrect as mycobacteria are not specifically resistant to alcohols. - Choice D: Encapsulation is incorrect as mycobacteria are not encapsulated bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Absence of a cell wall. L-form transformation is a phenomenon where the pathogen loses its cell wall, making it resistant to antibiotics like penicillin. The absence of a cell wall allows the pathogen to survive in a hostile environment. Choice B: Absence of flagella is incorrect because flagella are responsible for motility and not directly related to L-form transformation. Choice C: Absence of a capsule is incorrect as the capsule is a protective layer outside the cell wall and not affected by L-form transformation. Choice D: Absence of a spore is incorrect because spores are a dormant form of bacteria and not related to L-form transformation.