A patient with pneumonia had sputum stained by the Gram method. The smear revealed Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia and is known to appear as Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule. The presence of a capsule is a key characteristic of S. pneumoniae. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci but typically does not have a capsule. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a Gram-positive cocci. Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is a Gram-negative rod, not a Gram-positive cocci. Therefore, based on the staining pattern and the presence of a capsule, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent in this case.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because fungi do not form flagella. Fungi reproduce sexually and asexually (A) through spores, have a cell wall (B) made of chitin, and are mostly aerobic or facultative anaerobes (C). Flagella are structures found in some protozoa and bacteria, not in fungi. Therefore, option D is the only statement that is not true about fungi.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for producing a blue-green pigment called pyocyanin, which is characteristic of its colonies. This bacterium is commonly associated with purulent infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Proteus vulgaris (B) is not typically associated with blue-green pigment production. Bacillus subtilis (C) is not a common pathogen in wound infections. Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) does not produce blue-green pigment and is more commonly associated with respiratory infections. Therefore, based on the clinical presentation and pigment production, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most likely causative agent in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Weakly bound to the cell wall. The glycocalyx in bacteria is a protective layer that can be loosely attached to the cell wall or membrane. This loose attachment allows for flexibility and protection against desiccation and immune responses. Choice A is incorrect because the glycocalyx is not strongly bound to the cell wall, as it needs to be able to be shed easily for bacteria to escape host immune responses. Choice B is incorrect because the glycocalyx is not directly involved in bacterial movement, but rather serves as a protective barrier. Choice D is incorrect as the glycocalyx does play a role in bacterial physiology.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Erysipeloid. Erysipeloid is a bacterial infection caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae commonly found in animals like cattle. The patient's occupation as a cattle-ranch worker puts them at risk for this infection. Symptoms such as high body temperature, severe headache, carbuncle on the forearm with edema, and regional lymphadenitis are typical of erysipeloid. Anthrax (A) is more associated with skin lesions and severe systemic symptoms. Carcinoma of skin (B) presents differently with slow-growing skin lesions. Erysipelas (C) is a different bacterial infection characterized by red, swollen patches on the skin.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Treponema pallidum. This bacterium is responsible for causing syphilis due to its unique spiral shape and ability to penetrate mucous membranes. It is transmitted through sexual contact or from mother to fetus. Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia, and Escherichia coli is a common bacterium in the gastrointestinal tract. Syphilis is distinct due to its characteristic symptoms and stages, making Treponema pallidum the correct choice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetanus. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produces a neurotoxin leading to muscle stiffness, including trismus (restricted mouth opening). The patient's history of a stab wound increases the likelihood of tetanus infection due to the spores entering the body through the wound. Incorrect Choices: B: Brucellosis does not typically present with trismus and is more commonly associated with fever, joint pain, and fatigue. C: Whooping cough presents with severe coughing fits but does not cause trismus. D: Wound anaerobic infection may cause localized symptoms at the wound site but is less likely to cause trismus compared to tetanus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacterial ribosomes synthesize proteins. Ribosomes are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis by translating mRNA into amino acids. They are essential for the production of proteins needed for cell function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because ribosomes do not synthesize DNA, degrade toxic substances, or assist in cell division. DNA synthesis is carried out by DNA polymerase, degradation of toxic substances is typically done by enzymes, and cell division is primarily regulated by the cell cycle machinery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: crateriform. In a gelatin stab, a saucer-shaped liquefaction indicates a depression or crater-like shape. This term accurately describes the appearance of the liquefaction. A: napiform means turnip-shaped, which is not relevant to the shape in a gelatin stab. B: saccate means pouch-like, which does not match the saucer-shaped description. D: stratiform refers to something in layers, which is not applicable to the shape of the liquefaction. Therefore, C is the most appropriate term to describe the saucer-shaped liquefaction in a gelatin stab.