A wound smear revealed Gram-negative rods producing blue-green pigment. The bacteria had a fruity odor. What is the causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to produce a blue-green pigment called pyocyanin, which is characteristic of the organism. Additionally, it has a distinct fruity odor due to the production of certain volatile compounds. Escherichia coli (B) does not produce blue-green pigment or have a fruity odor. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) and Proteus mirabilis (D) also do not exhibit these specific characteristics associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Step 2: This bacterium produces toxins that damage the respiratory tract, leading to severe coughing fits. Step 3: Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae causes respiratory infections, and Staphylococcus aureus causes skin infections. Step 4: Therefore, A is the correct answer as it is the only bacterium directly associated with whooping cough.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 1971. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, was established in 1971 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act signed by President Richard Nixon. This act aimed to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees by setting and enforcing standards. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as OSHA was not established in those years. Option A (1921) is too early, option C (1980) is after OSHA was already established, and option D (1985) is also too late. Therefore, the correct answer is B, 1971, as it aligns with the historical establishment of OSHA.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: virulence. Virulence refers to the degree or extent of disease-evoking power that a microorganism possesses. This term specifically describes the ability of a microorganism to cause disease in a host. It is a crucial factor in understanding the pathogenicity of different microorganisms. Choice B: strength is incorrect because it does not specifically relate to the disease-causing potential of a microorganism. Choice C: resistance refers to the ability of an organism to withstand the effects of a particular agent, such as a drug or environmental factor. Choice D: competence is not directly related to the disease-causing ability of a microorganism, but rather refers to the ability of an organism to perform a specific function effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: A bacterial colony is a visible formation: Correct as colonies are visible to the naked eye. Step 2: Formed by clustering of cells: Correct as colonies are made up of numerous bacterial cells. Step 3: Belonging to different bacterial species: Correct as colonies can consist of one or multiple species. Summary: Choice A is correct as it accurately describes a bacterial colony. Choice B is incorrect as colonies can also form on solid nutrient mediums. Choice C is incorrect as choice A is correct. Choice D is incorrect as there is a correct option provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: adolescents. Infectious mononucleosis is commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is transmitted through saliva. Adolescents are more likely to engage in activities like kissing and sharing drinks, increasing the chances of virus transmission. Infants have maternal antibodies for protection, young adults may have developed immunity, and the elderly have had more exposure to the virus and may have built immunity over time.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A: Syphilis. Spiral microorganisms with pointed ends are characteristic of Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. This bacterium is known for its corkscrew shape. Other choices are incorrect because Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and Relapsing fever are caused by different pathogens and do not exhibit spiral microorganisms on blood smears. Syphilis should be suspected in the presence of these specific spiral microorganisms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mefloquine. Mefloquine is a histoschizontocidal antimalarial drug commonly prescribed for prevention of malaria in travelers. It is effective against the liver stage of the malaria parasite, which is crucial for preventing the development of the disease. Chingamin (A) is not a commonly used antimalarial drug. Biseptol (C) is a combination antibiotic and is not effective against malaria parasites. Quinine (D) is primarily used for treating malaria, not preventing it, and it is not specifically histoschizontocidal.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA is the compound that combines with oxaloacetic acid at the beginning of the Krebs cycle to form citric acid. This step is essential for the cycle to proceed, making acetyl-CoA the correct choice. A: Citric acid is formed after acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetic acid, so it is a product of the reaction, not the compound that enters the cycle. B: Pyruvic acid is converted to acetyl-CoA in a separate process before entering the Krebs cycle. D: Phosphoglyceraldehyde is not involved in the Krebs cycle; it is a compound in glycolysis.