A stool sample from a patient with severe diarrhea revealed non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rods on Endo agar. What is the likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shigella dysenteriae. It is the likely causative agent because it is a non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rod commonly associated with severe diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae specifically causes bacillary dysentery. Other choices are incorrect because: B: Escherichia coli is a lactose-fermenting bacterium commonly found in the gut and not typically associated with severe diarrhea. C: Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever, not severe diarrhea. D: Proteus mirabilis is a urease-positive bacterium associated with urinary tract infections, not severe diarrhea.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in pairs indicates a bacterial morphology consistent with Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia. This bacterium is known to appear in pairs or short chains on Gram stain. Staphylococcus aureus (B) typically presents as clusters of Gram-positive cocci, Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is a Gram-negative rod, making them less likely causative agents in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because peritrichous bacteria have flagella distributed all over their surface, allowing them to move in various directions. Choice A is incorrect because bacteria with a single flagellum at one pole are called monotrichous. Choice C is incorrect as bacteria with a single flagellum at each pole are known as amphitrichous. Choice D is incorrect because peritrichous bacteria have multiple flagella all over their surface, not limited to one or both poles.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Janssen. In the 16th century, Hans and Zacharias Janssen were a father-and-son team from the Netherlands who are credited with inventing the compound microscope. They constructed a simple tube with lenses at each end, which allowed for magnification of small objects. Their invention significantly contributed to the development of microscopy. Van Leeuwenhoek is known for his contributions to microscopy but did not invent the compound microscope. Semmelweis is known for his work in handwashing and preventing infection. Hooke made significant contributions to microscopy but did not invent the compound microscope.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidium coli. Balantidium coli is a large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus, commonly found in the feces of individuals with dysentery symptoms. Its morphology matches the description given in the question, making it the most likely causative agent. Summary of other choices: B: Entamoeba histolytica - This is not the correct answer because Entamoeba histolytica is a small amoeba with no cilia and a different nucleus shape. C: Giardia lamblia - This is not the correct answer as Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoa with a pear-shaped nucleus, different from the description provided. D: Trichomonas hominis - This is not the correct answer as Trichomonas hominis is a flagellated protozoa with multiple flagella and an undulating membrane, which does not match the characteristics of the

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thick peptidoglycan layer. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining process, leading to a purple color. This thick layer is a defining characteristic of Gram-positive bacteria. Rationale: A: Thin peptidoglycan layer is incorrect because Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer. B: Presence of an outer membrane is incorrect because Gram-positive bacteria lack an outer membrane. D: Presence of lipopolysaccharides is incorrect because lipopolysaccharides are typically found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, not Gram-positive bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani is responsible for causing tetanus by producing a neurotoxin called tetanospasmin. This neurotoxin blocks inhibitory signals in the central nervous system, leading to muscle spasms and stiffness characteristic of tetanus. Clostridium perfringens (B) causes gas gangrene, Streptococcus pyogenes (C) causes strep throat, and Escherichia coli (D) can cause gastrointestinal infections but not tetanus. Therefore, based on the specific pathogen and its mechanism of action, Clostridium tetani is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because virulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes exhibit multiple pathogenic factors. A: They do not have endotoxin-like substances, so this is incorrect. B: They are indeed facultative intracellular bacteria, aiding in their ability to survive and replicate inside host cells. C: They produce hemolysin, which helps them lyse red blood cells. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as all of the above statements are true for virulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Yersinia pestis. Y. pestis causes bubonic plague, characterized by enlarged, painful lymph nodes called buboes. The Gram-negative rods with a safety pin appearance are seen on Gram stain of Y. pestis. The other choices are incorrect because Francisella tularensis causes tularemia, not lymphadenitis with safety pin appearance. Brucella abortus causes brucellosis, which typically does not present with lymphadenitis. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, which is not associated with lymphadenitis or safety pin appearance.