A stool sample from a patient with diarrhea revealed Gram-negative rods with a greenish hue on MacConkey agar. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. E. coli is a Gram-negative rod that typically has a greenish hue on MacConkey agar due to its ability to ferment lactose, producing acid that changes the pH indicator to green. E. coli is a common cause of diarrhea, particularly in cases of traveler's diarrhea. Salmonella (B), Shigella (C), and Klebsiella (D) are also Gram-negative rods but do not typically show a greenish hue on MacConkey agar and are less commonly associated with causing diarrhea compared to E. coli.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacilli that produce pyocyanin, a blue-green pigment. The presence of greenish fluorescent colonies of gram-negative nonsporeforming bacilli that release blue-green pigment matches the characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Now, let's analyze the other choices: B: Enterobacteriaceae - While some Enterobacteriaceae can be gram-negative bacilli, they do not typically produce pyocyanin or exhibit the specific characteristics described in the question. C: Staphylococcus aureus - Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive cocci, not a gram-negative bacilli. It does not match the given description. D: Staphylococcus epidermidis - Staphylococcus epidermidis is also a gram-positive cocci, not a gram-negative bacilli. It does

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is Actinomycosis. This is because the patient's presentation of a painful swelling with a fistula containing white granules and yellow-green honeycomb-like tissue is classic for Actinomycosis. Actinomyces is a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that forms sulfur granules in tissues. Tuberculosis (B) typically presents with caseating granulomas, not sulfur granules. Leprosy (C) presents with skin lesions and nerve damage, not characteristic of this case. Syphilis (D) usually presents with painless ulcers and rash, not the painful swelling and fistula seen in this patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epidemic typhus. This disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia prowazekii, which is transmitted by body lice. The symptoms include high fever, body rash, and tiny wounds due to scratching. The presence of lice in the clothing suggests a possible lice-borne disease like epidemic typhus. Summary: - B: Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, transmitted through ticks, deer flies, and contact with infected animals. Lice are not involved in its transmission. - C: Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, leading to itching and skin rashes. It is not associated with high fever or lice infestation. - D: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The symptoms differ from those described in the scenario, and lice are not involved in its

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (Urethra). Resident microflora are typically found in various parts of the body where they establish a stable population without causing harm. The urethra is one of the locations where resident microflora are commonly present, helping to maintain a healthy microbial balance and prevent pathogenic bacteria from colonizing the area. In contrast, choices A, C, and D are not typical locations for resident microflora. Blood is normally sterile, the lungs have a different microbial environment due to their exposure to the external environment, and the cerebro-spinal fluid is also typically sterile to prevent infections in the central nervous system.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria - Salmonella enterica, Clostridium botulinum, and Escherichia coli - are commonly associated with foodborne illnesses. Salmonella causes gastroenteritis, Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, and E. coli can lead to severe food poisoning. Each bacterium has different mechanisms of causing illness, but all can be transmitted through contaminated food. Choices A, B, and C alone are incorrect because they do not encompass the full spectrum of bacteria commonly linked to foodborne illnesses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quorum sensing in bacteria refers to a process of cell-cell communication. Bacteria release signaling molecules to communicate with each other, coordinating group behaviors such as biofilm formation or virulence factor production when a certain population density is reached. This communication helps bacteria respond collectively to environmental cues. A: Incorrect - Locomotion refers to movement, not communication between bacteria. C: Incorrect - Uptake of foreign DNA is related to genetic transfer mechanisms, not communication. D: Incorrect - Antibiotic resistance mechanisms may involve genetic changes but are not directly related to inter-bacterial communication. In summary, quorum sensing is a vital communication system that allows bacteria to coordinate behaviors for survival and adaptation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sabouraud. Sabouraud agar is specifically designed to promote the growth of fungi due to its low pH and high glucose content. The cream-like colonies indicate fungal growth, as fungi often appear as fluffy or powdery colonies on Sabouraud agar. Lowenstein-Jensen is used for mycobacteria, Roux for diphtheria, and Loeffler for Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Therefore, Sabouraud is the most suitable medium for detecting fungal contamination based on the characteristics of the colonies formed.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above," because all three bacteria (Salmonella enterica, Clostridium botulinum, Escherichia coli) are known to cause foodborne illnesses. Salmonella causes symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Clostridium botulinum produces a toxin leading to botulism, a severe illness affecting the nervous system. Escherichia coli strains like E. coli O157:H7 can cause food poisoning with symptoms such as bloody diarrhea. Therefore, all the listed bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses due to their ability to contaminate food and infect individuals.