Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common Gram-negative rod that is a non-lactose fermenter and a common cause of severe pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It is also known for its resistance to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. Summary of other choices: B: Escherichia coli is a lactose fermenter and is not commonly associated with severe pneumonia. C: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a lactose fermenter and is more commonly associated with pneumonia in alcoholics or debilitated patients. D: Enterobacter cloacae is a lactose fermenter and is not a common cause of severe pneumonia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The function of bacterial pili is to aid in adhesion. Pili are hair-like structures on the bacterial surface that help the bacteria attach to surfaces or other cells. This adhesion is crucial for colonization and infection. Pili do not provide motility, as that is typically done by flagella. Bacteria form spores for survival under harsh conditions, and protein synthesis is carried out by ribosomes, not pili. Thus, the correct answer is B, aiding in adhesion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming bacterium that can survive for decades in the soil. 2. The spores are resistant to harsh conditions and can remain dormant for long periods. 3. This resilience allows Bacillus anthracis to persist in the old cattle burial ground for over 50 years. 4. Mycobacterium bovis, Brucella abortus, and Francisella tularensis are not known for long-term survival in soil. Summary: - Mycobacterium bovis, Brucella abortus, and Francisella tularensis do not have the spore-forming ability. - Mycobacterium bovis causes tuberculosis in cattle. - Brucella abortus causes brucellosis in cattle. - Francisella tularensis causes tularemia in animals and humans.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Treponema. The characteristics described match Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. Treponema has long, spiral shape with 8-12 regular coils. Leptospira (B) is a spirochete but has fewer coils and causes leptospirosis. Borrelia (C) is another spirochete but typically has irregular coils and causes Lyme disease. Vibrios (D) are curved rods and not spirochetes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common Gram-negative rod that is a non-lactose fermenter and a common cause of severe pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It is also known for its resistance to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. Summary of other choices: B: Escherichia coli is a lactose fermenter and is not commonly associated with severe pneumonia. C: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a lactose fermenter and is more commonly associated with pneumonia in alcoholics or debilitated patients. D: Enterobacter cloacae is a lactose fermenter and is not a common cause of severe pneumonia.