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 most probable diagnosis is Tetanus (Choice A) based on the symptoms described. Tetanus is characterized by muscle stiffness, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), muscle spasms, and convulsions. The progression of symptoms from muscle tension to generalized convulsions every 10-15 min is classic for tetanus. Tetania (Choice B) is similar but typically presents with more subtle muscle contractions rather than convulsions. Meningoencephalitis (Choice C) presents with fever, headache, and altered mental status, not the muscle symptoms described. Hemorrhagic stroke (Choice D) presents with sudden onset neurological deficits like weakness or sensory changes, not the muscle symptoms described.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: mesophiles. Mesophiles are microorganisms that thrive in moderate temperatures, typically between 25°C and 40°C. This temperature range is ideal for their growth and reproduction. Thermophiles (A) prefer high temperatures, psychrophiles (B) thrive in cold temperatures, and psychrotrophs (D) can grow at refrigeration temperatures but have an optimal range above 20°C. Therefore, the mesophiles are the best fit for organisms that show optimal growth in moderate temperatures.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because antibody diversity is generated by rearrangements of DNA encoding variable regions of heavy and light chains (choice A) and by the combination of different heavy and light chains that form the antigen binding site (choice B). Step 1: DNA rearrangements create different variable regions in heavy and light chains. Step 2: Combination of different heavy and light chains leads to unique antigen binding sites. Step 3: This diversity allows antibodies to bind to different epitopes on the same antigen. Step 4: Choice C is incorrect as antibodies do not physically change shape to bind different epitopes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Benzylpenicillin sodium salt. Benzylpenicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls by disrupting the formation of murein (peptidoglycan), leading to bacterial cell death. This mechanism specifically targets the causative agent of syphilis, Treponema pallidum. - Choice B: Bijochinol is not a known drug used to treat syphilis. - Choice C: Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication and is not the first-line treatment for syphilis. - Choice D: Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that interferes with bacterial protein synthesis and is commonly used to treat other infections but is not the preferred treatment for syphilis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mycoplasma. Mycoplasma is the only bacteria among the choices that have sterols in their cytoplasmic membrane. This feature helps stabilize their membrane structure due to the lack of a cell wall. Legionella (A), Bacillus (B), and Rickettsia (C) do not contain sterols in their cytoplasmic membrane. Legionella has a unique lipid composition, Bacillus has peptidoglycan in its cell wall, and Rickettsia is an intracellular parasite lacking sterols in its membrane.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: All answers are correct. Pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens, including Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Choice C is correct because both A and B are known causative agents of pneumonia. Choice D is incorrect because we know that Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause pneumonia, so the statement "None of the above" is not accurate in this context.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: TRUE. Poxviruses are indeed the largest viruses known, ranging from 200-450 nm in size, which is close to the resolution limit of a light microscope. This makes them almost visible under a light microscope. Explanation: 1. Poxviruses have complex structures and are among the largest viruses. 2. Light microscopes have a resolution limit of around 200 nm. 3. Poxviruses fall within the size range that is close to the resolution limit of a light microscope. 4. Therefore, poxviruses are almost visible under a light microscope. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because poxviruses are indeed large enough to be almost visible under a light microscope. Choice C is incorrect as it implies uncertainty, but poxviruses are consistently close to the resolution limit of a light microscope. Choice D is incorrect as the size of poxviruses being almost visible under a light microscope is a factual statement, not dependent