A woman delivered a dead child with multiple developmental defects. What protozoan disease might have caused the intrauterine death?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, leading to congenital toxoplasmosis. This infection can result in stillbirth, multiple developmental defects, and intrauterine death. Leishmaniasis (B), Malaria (C), and Amebiasis (D) are caused by different parasites and do not typically lead to intrauterine death or developmental defects in the fetus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the correct answer because it is the specific bacterium responsible for causing gonorrhea. It is a sexually transmitted infection that primarily affects the genital tract. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is transmitted through sexual contact and can lead to symptoms such as painful urination, discharge, and pelvic pain. Chlamydia trachomatis (Choice B) is another sexually transmitted bacterium, but it causes chlamydia, not gonorrhea. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Choice C) is responsible for tuberculosis, a different infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. Treponema pallidum (Choice D) causes syphilis, another sexually transmitted infection that presents with distinct symptoms from gonorrhea. Therefore, Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the correct choice for causing gonorrhea due to its specific association with this particular infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Transformation. Frederick Griffith discovered bacterial transformation, where genetic material can be transferred between bacteria. He observed this phenomenon while studying pneumonia-causing bacteria in 1928. Transformation is the process by which bacteria take up external DNA and incorporate it into their own genome. This discovery was crucial in understanding how genetic information can be transferred between organisms. Rationale for other choices: A: Translation - This term refers to the process of protein synthesis from mRNA, not relevant to Griffith's discovery. C: Transcription - This term refers to the process of synthesizing RNA from DNA, not related to Griffith's discovery. D: Conjugation - This term refers to the direct transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells through cell-to-cell contact, which is different from the phenomenon Griffith observed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: BCG. Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is used for the prevention of tuberculosis. BCG is a live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis that helps the immune system recognize and fight off tuberculosis bacteria. Specific anti-tuberculosis serum (A) is not used for prevention but for treatment. DTP (C) stands for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine, not specific for tuberculosis prevention. PPD (D) is a tuberculin skin test used for diagnosis, not prevention. Thus, BCG is the correct choice for tuberculosis prevention.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cell wall. Mycoplasma species lack a cell wall, making them unique among bacteria. This is because they have a flexible cell membrane that provides structural support instead of a rigid cell wall. The absence of a cell wall allows them to be pleomorphic and gives them resistance to certain antibiotics targeting cell wall synthesis. Plasma membrane (B), DNA (C), and ribosomes (D) are present in Mycoplasma species, so they are not the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperresponsiveness reaction type IV. This type of reaction, also known as delayed-type hypersensitivity, is characterized by the activation of T lymphocytes and macrophages, leading to inflammation at the site of antigen exposure. In the case of the Mantoux test, the appearance of a papule 48 hours later indicates a delayed hypersensitivity reaction mediated by T cells. Choice B: Reaction of Arthus phenomenon type is incorrect as this type of reaction involves immune complexes forming in the blood vessels leading to tissue damage, which is not the mechanism seen in the Mantoux test reaction. Choice C: Reaction of serum sickness type is incorrect as this type of reaction involves the formation of immune complexes in the blood leading to systemic symptoms like fever, rash, and joint pain, which is not typically seen in the Mantoux test reaction. Choice D: Atopic reaction is incorrect as atopic reactions involve IgE antibodies and mast cell degranulation, which are not the mechanisms

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is the most likely causative agent of gastric ulcers. Here's the rationale: 1. Helicobacter pylori is commonly associated with gastric ulcers. 2. It is a gram-negative bacterium that grows on chocolate agar and is oxide reductase-positive. 3. The slow growth on the fifth day is characteristic of H. pylori. 4. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter fetus are not typically associated with gastric ulcers. 5. Mycoplasma hominis is a bacterium that lacks a cell wall and is not commonly found in gastric ulcers.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Relapsing fever. The description matches Borrelia species, the causative agent of relapsing fever. The thin, spiral-shaped microorganisms with pointed ends and specific length are characteristic of Borrelia. The number of coils and size mentioned also align with Borrelia morphology. Relapsing fever is transmitted by tick bites and manifests as recurring febrile episodes. Incorrect choices: A: Syphilis - Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum, which is not spiral-shaped. B: Trypanosomiasis - Trypanosomiasis is caused by Trypanosoma species, which are not spiral-shaped. C: Leptospirosis - Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira species, which are not spiral-shaped and do not match the specific description provided.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: protozoan. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. These parasites belong to the protozoa kingdom, not viruses (choice A), bacteria (choice B), or helminths (choice C). Protozoa have complex life cycles involving both mosquito and human hosts, leading to the development of malaria in humans. Other choices are incorrect as they do not align with the known etiology and characteristics of malaria.