A patient with severe abdominal pain and diarrhea had a stool sample cultured. The bacteria were Gram-negative rods that did not ferment lactose. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Salmonella enterica. This is because Salmonella are Gram-negative rods that do not ferment lactose, which fits the description in the question. Additionally, Salmonella is a common cause of severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae is a Gram-negative rod that also causes severe diarrhea but it does not share the characteristic of not fermenting lactose. Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative rod that does ferment lactose. Proteus vulgaris is also a Gram-negative rod but it is not commonly associated with severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, making it an unlikely causative agent in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: eubiosis. Eubiosis refers to a state of balance and harmony among the species in the normal microflora. This term signifies a healthy and stable microbial community. Dysbiosis (A) is the opposite, indicating an imbalance or disruption in the microflora. Eukaryota (B) refers to organisms with cells containing a nucleus, not specifically related to the balance of microflora. Dispersion (C) refers to the spreading or distribution of microorganisms, not specifically related to their balance. In summary, eubiosis best describes the dynamic balance of species in the normal microflora, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium that commonly presents as cocci in clusters. It is a known causative agent of abscesses due to its ability to produce enzymes and toxins that contribute to tissue destruction. In this case, the presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters aligns with the characteristic morphology of Staphylococcus aureus. Summary of incorrect choices: B: Streptococcus pyogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that typically presents as cocci in chains, not clusters. It is more commonly associated with pharyngitis and skin infections rather than abscesses. C: Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive bacterium that typically presents as cocci in pairs or short chains, not clusters. It is more commonly associated with urinary tract infections and endocarditis. D: Micrococcus luteus is a Gram-positive bacterium that typically presents as t

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 1. Bright-red acid-resistant bacilli indicate the presence of mycolic acids in the cell wall, characteristic of Mycobacterium species. 2. Found in groups or singularly suggests the clumping nature of acid-fast bacilli. 3. Growth appearing after 10-15 days on nutrient media is consistent with the slow growth rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 4. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (B) and Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis (D) are not acid-fast bacilli and do not match the growth characteristics described. 5. Histoplasma dubrosii (C) is a fungus, not a bacterium, and does not exhibit acid-fast staining or the described growth pattern.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Parvoviridae. Parvoviruses are DNA viruses, as their genetic material is composed of DNA. This distinguishes them from RNA viruses like Picornaviridae, Astroviridae, and Togaviridae. Parvoviruses replicate in the host cell nucleus, further confirming their DNA nature. Therefore, based on their DNA composition and replication process, Parvoviridae is the correct choice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all the options listed can cause respiratory tract infections. 1. Francisella tularensis can cause pneumonia. 2. Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, a respiratory infection. 3. Coxiella brunetti can lead to Q fever, which affects the respiratory system. Therefore, all choices are correct for causing respiratory tract infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they are individual causes of respiratory infections, whereas choice D encompasses all possible causes listed.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Binary fission is the correct answer for bacterial replication because it is the process by which bacteria divide into two identical daughter cells. During binary fission, the bacterial cell replicates its DNA, forms a septum dividing the cell into two, and eventually splits into two daughter cells. This process is specific to prokaryotic cells such as bacteria and is different from mitosis and meiosis, which are processes specific to eukaryotic cells. Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, but it is not the primary mechanism of bacterial replication.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus belongs to the family Arenaviridae. This virus is a well-known member of the Arenaviridae family and is associated with various diseases. Option A is incorrect as Arenaviruses can be isolated from clinical materials using suitable methods. Option B is incorrect because Arenaviruses replicate in the cytoplasm, not the nucleus. Option D is incorrect as Arenaviruses can infect various hosts, not just humans. Therefore, the statement that lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus belongs to the family Arenaviridae is true.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Mycobacterium leprae is the correct answer because it is the bacterium responsible for causing leprosy. 2. Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, not leprosy. 3. Escherichia coli is associated with gastrointestinal infections, not leprosy. 4. Staphylococcus aureus causes various skin infections, but not leprosy. In summary, Mycobacterium leprae is the correct choice because it is the specific bacterium known to cause leprosy, while the other options are associated with different diseases.