A patient with fever, headache, and neck stiffness had cerebrospinal fluid microscopy revealing Gram-negative diplococci. What is the likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium is a Gram-negative diplococcus commonly associated with meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in young adults and adolescents. It is known for causing fever, headache, and neck stiffness. The other choices, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are not typically Gram-negative diplococci and are not commonly associated with the symptoms described. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive coccus, Haemophilus influenzae is a Gram-negative coccobacillus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod. Therefore, Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative agent in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Linnaeus. Linnaeus developed the binomial system of nomenclature in the 18th century. This system uses a two-part naming system consisting of the genus and species name to classify and identify organisms. Linnaeus's contribution revolutionized the way organisms are named and classified in the field of biology. Other choices are incorrect as Pasteur is known for his work in microbiology, Martini is not associated with the development of binomial nomenclature, and Jenner is known for developing the smallpox vaccine.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: S.aureus. Stomatitis is commonly caused by S.aureus due to its ability to form clusters of oval polymorphous Gram-positive microorganisms. S.aureus is known to colonize the oral mucous membrane and can cause infections, especially after prolonged antibiotic use. Explanation for other choices: A: С.albicans - Candida albicans is a fungus commonly associated with oral thrush, not typically causing stomatitis. B: C.perfringens - Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium associated with food poisoning and gas gangrene, not commonly causing stomatitis. D: S.pyogenes - Streptococcus pyogenes is known to cause strep throat and skin infections, but not typically associated with stomatitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Streptococcus. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common etiological factor for community-acquired pneumonia in young adults. The symptoms described align with typical pneumococcal pneumonia presentation. Presence of pleural friction rub and infiltration in the X-ray support the diagnosis. The blood work showing elevated WBC count with a left shift (increased neutrophils and low lymphocytes) and elevated ESR is consistent with a bacterial infection. Legionella and Mycoplasma typically present with atypical pneumonia symptoms such as headache, confusion, and GI symptoms, which are not described in the case. Staphylococcus pneumonia is not a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in young adults.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Cell-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in combating infections with intracellular pathogens by activating T cells to directly kill infected cells. Facultative and obligate intracellular pathogens, such as viruses and some bacteria, require cell-mediated immunity for effective clearance. Option A is correct due to the specificity of this immune response. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are primarily associated with humoral immunity involving antibodies and not T cell responses against intracellular pathogens.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction. In this type of reaction, allergens trigger the production of IgE antibodies, leading to mast cell and basophil degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators like histamine. This causes immediate allergic symptoms. Seafood and eggs are common allergens that can elicit this response. B: Type 2 hypersensitivity reaction involves antibodies targeting cell surface or extracellular matrix antigens, leading to cell destruction or dysfunction. This is not the mechanism in seafood or egg allergies. C: Type 3 hypersensitivity reaction involves immune complex deposition in tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. This is not the mechanism in seafood or egg allergies. D: Type 4 hypersensitivity reaction is cell-mediated and involves T cells causing inflammation and tissue damage. This is not the mechanism in seafood or egg allergies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Shigellosis. Shigellosis is caused by the bacteria Shigella, commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water. The bacteria can spread easily in unsanitary conditions. Mumps (A) is a viral infection spread through respiratory droplets. Legionellosis (C) is caused by the Legionella bacteria found in water sources like cooling towers. Tuberculosis (D) is a bacterial infection transmitted through the air. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it directly relates to contaminated food transmission.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Staphylococcus aureus can develop resistance to penicillin over time due to the production of beta-lactamase enzymes. This resistance mechanism makes it no longer susceptible to penicillin. The other choices are correct: B) S. aureus can produce beta hemolysis, C) it produces various toxins like hemolysins, leucocidins, and enterotoxins, and D) it shows a positive catalase reaction due to the presence of catalase enzyme that converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, which can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy leading to stillbirth and malformations. This parasite can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, causing severe complications. Leishmaniasis (B), Malaria (C), and Amebiasis (D) are not known to cause intrauterine death or malformations in the same way as Toxoplasmosis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted by sandflies, Malaria by mosquitoes, and Amebiasis by contaminated food or water.