A patient with foul-smelling diarrhea had a stool sample showing large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus. What is the diagnosis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidiasis. The large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus described in the stool sample is consistent with Balantidium coli, the causative agent of balantidiasis. Balantidium coli is the only ciliated protozoan parasite that infects humans and presents with these specific characteristics. Giardiasis (B) is caused by Giardia intestinalis, which is flagellated, not ciliated. Amoebiasis (C) is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which has an amoeboid shape, not ciliated. Trichomoniasis (D) is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, which is a flagellated protozoan and does not have a kidney-shaped macronucleus. Hence, the correct diagnosis in this case is Balantidiasis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, leading to symptoms like painful urination, fever/chills, and weak urine flow. Painful urination is due to irritation of the urinary tract by the inflamed prostate. Fever/chills indicate an infection, common in prostatitis. Weak urine flow is due to obstruction caused by the inflamed prostate. Choice A is incorrect as muscle aches, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes are not typical symptoms of prostatitis. Choice B is incorrect as painful joints and nausea are not characteristic symptoms. Choice D is almost identical to the correct answer but includes an extra symptom of painful joints, which is not associated with prostatitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Biological test, bacteriological. Botulism is caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. To diagnose botulism, biological tests such as detecting the toxin in patient samples and bacteriological tests to identify the bacteria are crucial. These tests confirm the presence of the bacteria and its toxin, providing a definitive diagnosis. Choice A is incorrect as it does not specify any relevant diagnostic methods. Choice B is incorrect because mycological tests are not relevant for diagnosing botulism caused by a bacterial toxin. Choice D is incorrect as allergic tests and serological tests are not used for diagnosing botulism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Answer A (Sabouraud's) is correct: 1. Sabouraud's agar is a selective medium for fungi. 2. Candida is a type of fungus causing candidosis. 3. Sabouraud's agar promotes fungal growth. 4. Candida will grow on Sabouraud's agar, confirming the diagnosis. 5. Other choices are for bacterial culture, not suitable for fungal growth. Summary: - Endo, Jensen's, and Roux are not appropriate for fungal culture. - Sabouraud's agar specifically supports fungal growth, making it the correct choice for confirming candidosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shigella dysenteriae I. This bacterium is known to produce Shiga toxin, which is responsible for the most severe bacillary infections. The toxin can cause bloody diarrhea and potentially life-threatening complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome. Shigella boydii, flexneri, and sonnei, while also causing bacillary dysentery, do not produce the same level of severity as Shigella dysenteriae I due to the absence of Shiga toxin.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: I apologize for the confusion, but the correct answer to the question is actually A: microtubules. Microtubules are indeed shaped like hollow cylinders made out of tubulin proteins. They play a crucial role in cell structure, cell division, and intracellular transport. Microfilaments (choice B) are composed of actin proteins and are not shaped like hollow cylinders. Intermediate filaments (choice C) are more rope-like in structure and are made up of various proteins. Flagella (choice D) are whip-like structures used for cell movement and are not shaped like hollow cylinders.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Legionella and Neisseria are both gram-negative aerobic rods and cocci. Legionella is a rod-shaped bacterium, while Neisseria is a diplococcus. Both are aerobic, meaning they require oxygen for growth. The other choices are incorrect because Legionella and Neisseria are not facultative anaerobes (A), spirochetes (C), or anaerobic cocci (D). Understanding the characteristics of these bacteria helps in differentiating and selecting the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: spleen. The spleen is not a component of the gastrointestinal tract; it is part of the lymphatic system. The pharynx, esophagus, and stomach are all part of the gastrointestinal tract responsible for digestion and absorption of food. The spleen's main functions include filtering blood, storing blood cells, and supporting the immune system, making it unrelated to the digestive process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Yersinia pestis. Y. pestis causes bubonic plague, characterized by enlarged, painful lymph nodes called buboes. The Gram-negative rods with a safety pin appearance are seen on Gram stain of Y. pestis. The other choices are incorrect because Francisella tularensis causes tularemia, not lymphadenitis with safety pin appearance. Brucella abortus causes brucellosis, which typically does not present with lymphadenitis. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, which is not associated with lymphadenitis or safety pin appearance.