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 all three choices, Clostridium botulinum, Morbillivirus morbillorum, and Clostridium tetani, can cause infections of the central nervous system (CNS). Clostridium botulinum can lead to botulism, which affects the nervous system. Morbillivirus morbillorum can cause measles, which can lead to viral encephalitis. Clostridium tetani can cause tetanus, which affects the CNS by producing neurotoxins. Therefore, all three choices are pathogens that can cause infections of the CNS.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because bacterial enzymes like amylase and protease catalyze biochemical reactions like digestion. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates, while protease breaks down proteins. This process is essential for bacterial metabolism and nutrient acquisition. Choice A (Break down toxins) is incorrect because bacterial enzymes are primarily involved in nutrient breakdown, not toxin degradation. Choice B (Facilitate movement) is incorrect as enzymes are not directly involved in bacterial movement. Choice D (Promote spore formation) is incorrect because enzymes like amylase and protease are not directly involved in spore formation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacteriological. This method involves isolating and culturing the causative bacteria from the wound material to determine the species. This allows for further testing to confirm gaseous gangrene and identify the specific pathogen. Choice B: Allergic is incorrect as it pertains to immune responses, not identifying bacteria. Choice C: Bacterioscopic is incorrect as it refers to microscopic examination of bacteria, not species identification. Choice D: Serological is incorrect as it involves testing for antibodies in the blood, not identifying the causative agent directly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Propionibacterium shermanii. This bacterium is used in the production of certain types of cheese, such as Swiss cheese, to create the characteristic holes and flavor. Propionibacterium produces carbon dioxide gas during fermentation, forming the holes in the cheese. Acetobacter aceti (B) is used in vinegar production. Giardia (C) is a parasite that causes gastrointestinal issues, not used in cheese production. Fusobacterium (D) is a type of bacteria associated with infections in humans, not used in cheese production.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The Burri-Gins staining technique is used to identify the presence of capsules around bacteria. Capsules are protective structures that some bacteria produce to evade the immune system. This technique stains the capsule, making it visible under a microscope. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Capsule formation. Incorrect: B: Spore formation - Spores are not typically identified using the Burri-Gins staining technique. C: Acid resistance - This property is not specifically identified by Burri-Gins staining. D: Alkali resistance - This property is not specifically identified by Burri-Gins staining.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: tinea pedis. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the feet, specifically the skin between the toes and on the soles. "Tinea pedis" is the medical term for athlete's foot, with "tinea" meaning a fungal infection and "pedis" referring to the foot. A: tinea capitis refers to a fungal infection of the scalp, not the feet. B: tinea corporis refers to a fungal infection of the body, not specifically the feet. C: tinea versicolor refers to a fungal infection that causes discoloration of the skin, not typically on the feet. In summary, the other choices are incorrect because they refer to fungal infections affecting different parts of the body, whereas "tinea pedis" specifically refers to athlete's foot.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: focal. When a pathogen spreads from the original site to other tissues or organs, it is considered a focal infection. This term specifically refers to an infection that is localized to a specific area but can spread to other parts of the body. A: Local infection refers to an infection that is confined to a specific area without spreading to other tissues or organs. C: Natural is not a term commonly used to describe the spread of pathogens within the body. D: Acute refers to the rapid onset of a disease but does not specifically address the spread of pathogens from one site to another. In summary, the term "focal" best describes the scenario provided in the question, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Legionellosis is caused by the Legionella bacteria. Step 2: Legionellosis has two main clinical forms - Legionnaires disease and Pontiac fever. Step 3: Legionnaires disease presents with severe pneumonia symptoms, while Pontiac fever is a milder flu-like illness. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is A: Legionnaires disease and Pontiac fever. Summary: - Choice B (Skin and intestinal form) is incorrect as Legionellosis primarily affects the lungs. - Choice C (Lymphatic, lung, and intestinal forms) is incorrect as it does not accurately represent the clinical forms of Legionellosis. - Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect as Legionellosis does have specific clinical forms.