A wound infection culture grew Gram-positive cocci in clusters. The bacteria were catalase-positive and coagulase-negative. What is the likely microorganism?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus epidermidis. The presence of Gram-positive cocci in clusters, along with being catalase-positive and coagulase-negative, is indicative of Staphylococcus species. Staphylococcus epidermidis is commonly found on the skin, making it likely to cause wound infections. Summary: B: Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive. C: Streptococcus pyogenes is catalase-negative. D: Enterococcus faecalis is catalase-negative.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Mycobacterium leprae is the correct answer as it is the bacteria known to cause leprosy. 2. Clostridium perfringens is incorrect as it is associated with gas gangrene. 3. Streptococcus pneumoniae is incorrect as it is commonly linked to pneumonia and meningitis. 4. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is incorrect as it causes gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. In summary, Mycobacterium leprae is the only bacteria among the choices specifically known to cause leprosy, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This protozoan parasite causes amoebic dysentery and is characterized by cysts with four nuclei in fecal smears. It is commonly associated with chronic diarrhea. Balantidium coli (B) presents with large ciliated trophozoites, not cysts. Giardia lamblia (C) has trophozoites with flagella and causes giardiasis, not cysts with four nuclei. Trichomonas hominis (D) typically has a pear-shaped trophozoite and is not associated with cysts with four nuclei.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Parvoviridae. Parvoviruses are DNA viruses, as their genetic material is composed of DNA. This distinguishes them from RNA viruses like Picornaviridae, Astroviridae, and Togaviridae. Parvoviruses replicate in the host cell nucleus, further confirming their DNA nature. Therefore, based on their DNA composition and replication process, Parvoviridae is the correct choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Protein synthesis. Bacterial ribosomes are responsible for translating the genetic information from mRNA into proteins. This process involves the binding of transfer RNA molecules carrying amino acids to the ribosome and the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids to create proteins. DNA replication (A) is carried out by DNA polymerase enzymes, not ribosomes. Energy production (C) is primarily the function of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells, and cell division (D) is regulated by a complex network of proteins and signaling pathways, not ribosomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vibrio. Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. These bacteria produce a toxin that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Escherichia (choice A) and Salmonella (choice B) are known for causing other types of gastrointestinal infections but not cholera. Acinetobacter (choice D) typically causes respiratory infections, not gastrointestinal illnesses like cholera. Therefore, the correct choice is Vibrio as it is specifically associated with cholera.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Actinomycotic granules are colonies of actinomycetes located in purulent secretions. Step 2: Actinomycosis is a disease caused by actinomycetes forming these granules. Step 3: Actinomycotic granules are typically found in tissue exudates or pus. Step 4: Therefore, choice C is correct as it accurately describes actinomycotic granules. Summary: Choice A is incorrect because actinomycotic granules are not a form of actinomycosis itself, but a characteristic of the disease. Choice B is incorrect as actinomycotic granules are not an additional outer membrane but rather colonies of actinomycetes. Choice D is incorrect as actinomycotic granules are not intracellular inclusions but extracellular colonies found in purulent secretions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Binary fission is the correct answer for bacterial replication because it is the process by which bacteria divide into two identical daughter cells. During binary fission, the bacterial cell replicates its DNA, forms a septum dividing the cell into two, and eventually splits into two daughter cells. This process is specific to prokaryotic cells such as bacteria and is different from mitosis and meiosis, which are processes specific to eukaryotic cells. Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, but it is not the primary mechanism of bacterial replication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: endemic. Endemic refers to a disease that is consistently present in a particular population or region at a relatively stable level. This means the disease is always present in that specific area. Pandemic (A) refers to a disease that spreads across multiple countries or continents. Epidemic (B) refers to a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population. Sporadic (C) refers to occasional cases of a disease occurring irregularly in a population. Therefore, the correct choice is D as it specifically describes a disease that is generally present in a given population.