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: 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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Bacillus cereus is associated with food intoxication due to its ability to produce toxins that cause gastrointestinal symptoms. B. subtilis is not known to cause food intoxication. B. anthracis causes anthrax, not food intoxication. Option D is incorrect as not all Bacillus species cause food intoxication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the flu vaccine mainly stimulates systemic immunity, not local immunity. Systemic immunity refers to the immune response throughout the body, while local immunity is specific to a certain area. Choice A is incorrect because the flu vaccine is indeed recommended. Choice B is incorrect as the flu vaccine can be a subunit vaccine, containing only specific antigens. Choice C is incorrect as the flu vaccine is typically administered parenterally, meaning through injection, nasal spray, or oral routes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spirochete. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is a spirochete. Spirochetes are spiral-shaped bacteria that move by rotating like a corkscrew, which is characteristic of Borrelia burgdorferi. A: Spirillum - Spirillum bacteria are helical-shaped but are not the causative agent for Lyme disease. C: Vibrio - Vibrio bacteria are curved or comma-shaped and are not associated with Lyme disease. D: Diplococcus - Diplococcus bacteria are spherical-shaped and typically occur in pairs, not the causative agent for Lyme disease. Therefore, the correct answer is B because Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete bacterium that causes Lyme disease.