A smear of pus from an abscess revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The culture was catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. What microorganism was isolated?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is Gram-positive cocci in clusters, catalase-positive, and coagulase-positive. Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen causing abscesses. Streptococcus pyogenes (B) is Gram-positive cocci in chains, not clusters. Micrococcus luteus (C) is catalase-positive but coagulase-negative. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is catalase-negative and coagulase-negative.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protein synthesis. Bacterial ribosomes are responsible for translating mRNA into proteins through a process called translation. This is a crucial step in gene expression, where amino acids are assembled into polypeptide chains. Choice B (DNA replication) is incorrect because ribosomes are not involved in DNA replication. Choice C (Flagella formation) is incorrect as ribosomes do not play a direct role in flagella formation. Choice D (Toxin production) is incorrect as ribosomes are not directly involved in producing toxins.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Linnaeus. Linnaeus developed the binomial system of nomenclature in the 18th century. He introduced the use of a two-part naming system consisting of a genus name and a species name, known as binomial nomenclature. This system helps in organizing and categorizing living organisms systematically. Pasteur (choice A) is known for his contributions to microbiology, not nomenclature. Martini (choice C) and Jenner (choice D) are not associated with the development of the binomial system of nomenclature.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium is a Gram-negative diplococcus commonly associated with meningitis. Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in young adults and adolescents. It is known for causing fever, headache, and neck stiffness. The other choices, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are not typically Gram-negative diplococci and are not commonly associated with the symptoms described. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive coccus, Haemophilus influenzae is a Gram-negative coccobacillus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod. Therefore, Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative agent in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Genus Aspergillus. Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain species of fungi, particularly Aspergillus species. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are well-known producers of aflatoxins. These fungi can contaminate crops such as peanuts, corn, and tree nuts, leading to potential health risks. Cryptococcus (A), Actinomyces (B), and Streptococcus (C) are not known to produce aflatoxins. It is important to be aware of the sources and implications of aflatoxin contamination to ensure food safety and public health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clostridium perfringens. In this case, the patient's presentation of infected wound with tissue crepitation, foul odor, and Gram-positive bacteria with centrally located spores that cannot grow in the presence of oxygen is indicative of gas gangrene caused by Clostridium perfringens. This anaerobic bacterium produces various toxins that lead to tissue destruction and gas production in the affected area. Clostridium tetani (choice A) causes tetanus, characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms. Clostridium botulinum (choice C) causes botulism, leading to muscle paralysis. Clostridium difficile (choice D) is associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea. These choices are incorrect as they do not match the clinical presentation described in the question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Papillomaviruses. Papillomaviruses are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, as they infect the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area. This transmission route is well-documented through research and epidemiological studies. Arenaviruses (A) are primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, not sexual contact. Togaviruses (B) are mainly transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. Polyomaviruses (D) are typically spread through respiratory secretions or contaminated urine, not through sexual contact. Therefore, the most appropriate choice for viruses transmitted mainly through sexual contact is Papillomaviruses (C).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. Rationale: 1. Gram-positive cocci in pairs suggest Streptococcus species. 2. Catalase-negative rules out Staphylococcus. 3. Beta-hemolytic indicates Streptococcus pyogenes due to its beta-hemolytic properties. Summary: B: Streptococcus pneumoniae is catalase-negative but not beta-hemolytic. C: Enterococcus faecalis is not typically beta-hemolytic. D: Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive and not typically in pairs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a viral capsid is a protein coat that surrounds and protects the viral nucleic acid (DNA or RNA). It helps in the attachment of the virus to host cells and protects the genetic material during transmission. Choice A is incorrect because a viral capsid is composed of proteins, not an envelope. Choice C is incorrect because not all viruses have an outer membrane. Choice D is incorrect because a viral capsid is primarily made up of proteins, not lipids.