A patient with pneumonia had a sputum culture revealing Gram-positive diplococci. The bacteria were catalase-negative and alpha-hemolytic. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Gram-positive diplococci suggest a pneumococcal infection. Step 2: Catalase-negative indicates Streptococcus. Step 3: Alpha-hemolysis matches S. pneumoniae's characteristics. Therefore, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is catalase-positive, Neisseria meningitidis (C) is Gram-negative, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is not diplococci or alpha-hemolytic.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (69%). The UN projects that by 2050, around 69% of the world's population will live in urban areas. This is based on current global urbanization trends and population growth rates. Urban areas are experiencing rapid population growth due to factors like rural-to-urban migration and natural population increase. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they underestimate the expected urban population growth by 2050. A (35%), B (56%), and C (60%) are too low compared to the projected 69%. Urbanization is a significant global trend, and it is essential to consider the implications of this shift for sustainability, infrastructure development, and resource allocation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Inhibits protein synthesis. Exotoxin of C. Diphtheriae acts by inhibiting protein synthesis in host cells. This disrupts cellular functions and leads to tissue damage. Choice A is incorrect because acetylcholine release is not affected. Choice B is incorrect as it does not involve neurotransmitters. Choice D is incorrect as the exotoxin does have a specific mechanism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: 1. Vaccination introduces antigens to stimulate immune response. 2. T and B cells are activated to produce memory cells for long-lasting protection. 3. Active immunity develops over time post-vaccination. 4. Choice A is correct as it accurately describes the process and outcomes. 5. Choice B is incorrect as it contradicts the process of active immunity. 6. Choice C is incorrect as the process of active immunity is consistent regardless of the situation. 7. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it aligns with the mechanism and characteristics of artificial active immunity.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all the options are essential for a PCR reaction. A: DNA segment is required as the template for amplification. B: Two oligonucleotide primers are needed to initiate DNA replication. C: Heat stable DNA polymerase (not just heat stable DNA) is crucial for withstanding the high temperatures during PCR. In summary, without any of these components, the PCR reaction cannot proceed effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Oval, round, elongated chains of gemmating cells indicate yeast-like budding cells seen in Candida species. Step 2: Candidosis is caused by Candida species, which is commonly found in the oral cavity and can cause infections on the tongue. Step 3: Candidosis presents as white patches or plaques on the tongue. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is A: Candidosis. Summary: B: Actinomycosis is caused by Actinomyces species, which are filamentous bacteria, not oval budding cells. C: Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which appears as gram-positive rods in chains, not oval budding cells. D: Staphylococcal infections are caused by Staphylococcus species, which appear as clusters of cocci, not oval budding cells.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: S. aureus is known to produce hemolysins, leucocidins, and enterotoxin. Step 2: S. aureus colonies usually exhibit golden-yellow pigmentation with beta-hemolytic zones. Step 3: S. aureus has developed resistance to penicillin due to the production of beta-lactamase. Step 4: Therefore, statement C is not true as S. aureus is not always sensitive to penicillin. Summary: Choices A and B are correct statements about S. aureus, while choice C is incorrect due to the increasing penicillin resistance seen in S. aureus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above," because all three bacteria listed (Vibrio cholerae, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli) produce toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to severe diarrhea. Clostridium difficile produces toxins causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Escherichia coli can produce toxins such as Shiga toxin causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, all the options listed are correct in producing toxins that can result in severe gastrointestinal illness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is B. Viruses of the family Paramyxoviridae cause the formation of giant multinucleated cells called syncytia. This occurs when infected cells fuse together, resulting in large, multinucleated structures. This is a characteristic cytopathic effect of paramyxoviruses. Summary: A: Fine grained degeneration is not typically seen in paramyxovirus infections. C: Large cell degeneration with grape clustering of cells is not a typical cytopathic effect of paramyxoviruses. D: Paramyxoviruses do provoke a cytopathic effect, so this statement is incorrect.