A patient with pneumonia had sputum cultured revealing Gram-negative diplococci. The bacteria were oxidase-positive and fermentative. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium fits the description of Gram-negative diplococci that are oxidase-positive and fermentative. Neisseria meningitidis commonly causes pneumonia and meningitis. Choice B: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is also a Gram-negative diplococci but is not fermentative. Choice C: Moraxella catarrhalis is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. Choice D: Haemophilus influenzae is not fermentative and typically appears as pleomorphic rods, not diplococci.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Memory cells are not part of the non-specific immune response because they are a component of the specific immune response. Non-specific immune responses are immediate and target a broad range of pathogens, whereas memory cells are formed after exposure to a specific pathogen to provide a quicker and stronger response upon subsequent exposure. Lysozyme (A), Interferon (C), and Phagocytosis (D) are all part of the non-specific immune response. Lysozyme is an enzyme that destroys bacterial cell walls, interferon helps to inhibit viral replication, and phagocytosis involves the engulfing and destruction of pathogens by phagocytes. These responses are not specific to particular pathogens and are the body's first line of defense.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium tetani are both spore-forming bacteria. 2. Spores allow them to survive harsh conditions like extreme heat or lack of nutrients. 3. Choice C is correct because both A and B (Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium tetani) produce spores. 4. Choice D is incorrect as both bacteria mentioned are known to produce spores, enabling them to survive in extreme conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: anabolic. Anabolic reactions involve the synthesis of larger organic molecules from smaller precursor molecules. This process requires energy input and is essential for growth and repair in living organisms. Choice B: Catabolic reactions involve the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process. This is the opposite of what is described in the question. Choice C: Metabolic is a broad term that encompasses all chemical processes in living organisms, including both anabolic and catabolic reactions. It is not specific to the assembly of small molecules into larger ones. Choice D: "Any of the above" is incorrect because only anabolic reactions specifically involve the assembly of small precursor molecules into larger organic molecules.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: 1. Gram-positive cocci in clusters suggest Staphylococcus species. 2. Catalase-positive and coagulase-positive characteristics match with Staphylococcus aureus. 3. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of wound infections due to its virulence factors. 4. Other choices are incorrect: B) S. epidermidis is coagulase-negative and a common contaminant, C) S. pyogenes is catalase-negative, D) Enterococcus faecalis is not typically associated with wound infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacillus anthracis. Bacillus anthracis is the likely causative agent as it is a Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium known to cause ulcerated lesions with associated fever and malaise. Anthrax typically presents with these symptoms and fits the description given in the question. Clostridium perfringens (Choice B) causes gas gangrene and typically presents with different symptoms. Clostridium tetani (Choice C) causes tetanus and is not associated with ulcerated lesions. Bacillus cereus (Choice D) is known for causing food poisoning and does not typically present with the symptoms described in the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Cytoplasmic membrane - essential. The cytoplasmic membrane is a crucial structure in bacteria as it regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell, provides structural support, and is essential for maintaining cell integrity. Without a functional cytoplasmic membrane, bacteria would not be able to survive. A: Nucleus is incorrect because bacteria do not have a true nucleus. B: Capsule - non-essential is incorrect because while the capsule provides protection and helps in adherence, it is not essential for bacterial survival. C: Mitochondria is incorrect because bacteria do not have mitochondria; they generate energy through other mechanisms. In summary, the cytoplasmic membrane is essential for bacterial survival, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium known for forming endospores, which are resistant structures that allow the bacteria to survive harsh conditions like heat, radiation, and desiccation. This ability to form spores helps Bacillus subtilis to endure unfavorable environments. Staphylococcus aureus (A), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (C), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (D) do not form spores and lack the same level of resistance to extreme conditions as Bacillus subtilis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nystatin. Nystatin is an antifungal medication specifically used to treat candida infections. It works by disrupting the cell membrane of the fungus, leading to its death. Penicillin (B) is an antibiotic effective against bacterial infections, not fungal. Streptomycin (C) is also an antibiotic used for bacterial infections. Isoniazid (D) is used to treat tuberculosis, not candida infections. Therefore, Nystatin is the best choice for treating candida infections due to its antifungal properties.