A wound culture from a patient with an infected ulcer revealed Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The bacteria were catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. What is the most likely causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters, catalase-positive, and coagulase-negative characteristics indicate Staphylococcus species. Specifically, Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common skin commensal and a frequent cause of wound infections. Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive, making it less likely in this scenario. Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis are both Gram-positive cocci but are catalase-negative, making them less likely causative agents.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: S.aureus. Stomatitis is commonly caused by S.aureus due to its ability to form clusters of oval polymorphous Gram-positive microorganisms. S.aureus is known to colonize the oral mucous membrane and can cause infections, especially after prolonged antibiotic use. Explanation for other choices: A: С.albicans - Candida albicans is a fungus commonly associated with oral thrush, not typically causing stomatitis. B: C.perfringens - Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium associated with food poisoning and gas gangrene, not commonly causing stomatitis. D: S.pyogenes - Streptococcus pyogenes is known to cause strep throat and skin infections, but not typically associated with stomatitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria causing helicobacteriosis, is microaerophilic, requiring low oxygen levels. 2. Cultivation conditions must mimic the natural environment of the bacteria. 3. Failure to provide a microaerophilic environment can hinder bacterial growth. 4. Thus, the ability to cultivate these bacteria requires consideration of their microaerophilic nature. Summary: - Choice A is correct because Helicobacter pylori is a microaerophilic bacteria. - Choice B (Presence of urease) is incorrect as it is a characteristic used for diagnosis, not cultivation. - Choice C (Absence of spores and capsules) is incorrect as it does not relate to cultivation requirements. - Choice D (Colonization of gastral cells) is incorrect as it pertains to bacterial behavior, not cultivation needs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: it is a live attenuated vaccine. This is true because the mumps vaccine is indeed a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the virus to stimulate an immune response without causing the disease. This type of vaccine provides long-lasting immunity. A, B, and C are incorrect: A: the vaccine is recommended, not obligatory - this is incorrect because the mumps vaccine is typically recommended for all individuals to prevent the spread of the disease. B: the vaccine is not given in combination with other vaccines - this is incorrect as the mumps vaccine is often given in combination with measles and rubella vaccines as the MMR vaccine. C: the vaccine is administered orally - this is incorrect because the mumps vaccine is usually administered via injection, not orally.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidium coli. This large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus is characteristic of Balantidium coli, an intestinal parasite known to cause foul-smelling diarrhea in humans. Balantidium coli is the only option among the choices that fits this specific description. Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic dysentery, Giardia lamblia causes giardiasis, and Trichomonas hominis is a non-pathogenic protozoa found in the intestinal tract. Therefore, based on the morphology described in the question, Balantidium coli is the correct causative agent.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) attach to enterocytes via a type III secretion system. 2. Once attached, they form attaching and effacing lesions on the microvilli, leading to microvillus destruction. 3. This mechanism allows EPEC to cause diarrhea by disrupting the normal absorptive function of the intestines. Summary: - B (They are invasive and produce enterotoxin) is incorrect because EPEC are non-invasive and do not produce enterotoxins. - C (Cause disease clinically similar to bacterial) is vague and does not provide specific information about EPEC pathogenesis. - D (None of the above) is incorrect as A is the correct explanation for EPEC pathogenicity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nigrosin is used in negative staining, where the background is stained instead of the cells themselves. This technique helps highlight the morphology and structure of cells that may be damaged by traditional staining methods. Nigrosin is negatively charged and repels the negatively charged bacterial cells, resulting in a clear halo around the cells. This process is particularly useful for observing capsules and determining cell size and shape. The other options are incorrect because simple staining uses a single dye to color the entire cell, gram staining involves a series of dyes to differentiate between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and acid-fast staining is used to detect acid-fast organisms like Mycobacterium.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because chills, fever, and loss of consciousness are not typical symptoms of botulism. Botulism is characterized by descending, flaccid paralysis (choice A), dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and speaking (choice B), and blurred vision, diplopia (choice D). These symptoms result from the neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Chills, fever, and loss of consciousness are more commonly associated with infections or other conditions, not botulism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae are symbiotic fungi that form a mutualistic relationship with plant roots, aiding in the absorption of minerals and water. They enhance the plant's nutrient uptake capacity, promoting plant growth and health. Decomposers (A) break down dead organic matter, yeasts (C) are single-celled fungi used in fermentation, and molds (D) are fungi that grow in multicellular filaments. These options do not specifically assist plant roots in mineral and water absorption like mycorrhizae do.