A wound swab from a patient with severe tissue infection revealed Gram-positive rods in chains producing gas. The bacteria were spore-forming. What is the causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium perfringens. This bacterium is a Gram-positive rod that forms chains and produces gas due to its ability to ferment carbohydrates. It is also spore-forming, which helps it survive harsh conditions. Clostridium perfringens is commonly associated with severe tissue infections and gas gangrene. Choice B: Bacillus anthracis is also a spore-forming Gram-positive rod but is not typically associated with gas production or severe tissue infections. Choice C: Clostridium tetani is a spore-forming bacterium that causes tetanus, not severe tissue infections with gas production. Choice D: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium and does not fit the description provided in the question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above." Bacterial meningitis can be caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria are common pathogens associated with meningitis. Each of them can lead to serious infections in the brain and spinal cord. Neisseria meningitidis is known for causing meningococcal meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of H. influenzae meningitis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for pneumococcal meningitis. Therefore, since all three bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these bacteria individually can cause bacterial meningitis; it is not limited to just one specific type.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because reinfection is indeed possible with rabies virus. Step 1: Reinfection occurs if a person is exposed to the virus again after initial infection. Step 2: Once infected, the virus can remain dormant in the body and become active upon re-exposure. Step 3: Therefore, it is essential to continue preventive measures even after initial immunization. Summary: Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because antibodies develop within 14-15 days post-immunization, HRIG is administered shortly after exposure, and a specific vaccination schedule is followed for rabies prophylaxis, respectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Botulism. Botulism is caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria found in improperly preserved or canned foods. The symptoms described align with botulism, such as difficulty swallowing and breathing due to muscle paralysis. The tennis racket appearance seen under microscopy corresponds to the characteristic appearance of Clostridium botulinum spores. The other choices can be ruled out based on the clinical presentation and microscopy findings. Cholera typically presents with severe watery diarrhea, Nontyphoidal Salmonella infection with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, and Typhoid fever with high fever and abdominal pain. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis in this case is botulism.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Interferon delta is not a known type of interferon, making choice D incorrect. Interferon beta is indeed produced by fibroblasts (choice A), interferon alpha by leukocytes (choice B), and interferon gamma by lymphocytes (choice C). Each type of interferon is produced by specific cells in the immune system, contributing to the body's defense against viruses and other pathogens.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice A being correct: 1. Microscopic examination of discharge from infected organ allows direct visualization of bacteria causing the infection. 2. Microscopic examination of urine for organisms can help identify any bacteria present in the urinary tract. 3. Both methods are specific for diagnosing bacterial infections in the reproductive system. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as biopsy is invasive and not typically used for diagnosing bacterial infections. - Choice C is incorrect as fecal samples and urine protein tests are not relevant for diagnosing bacterial infections in the reproductive system. - Choice D is incorrect as antibody agglutination and coagulation tests are not primary methods for diagnosing bacterial infections in the reproductive system.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Motility. Native microscopic slides are ideal for observing motility because they allow for the observation of living microorganisms in their natural state. By observing the movement of microorganisms on a native slide, one can assess their motility characteristics accurately. Choice B (Division) is incorrect because native slides may not provide the ideal conditions for observing cell division, as it may be difficult to capture the exact moment of division in a live organism. Choice C (Presence of capsules) is also incorrect because observing capsules usually requires specific staining techniques that may not be suitable for native slides. Choice D (None of the above) is incorrect as native slides are indeed beneficial for observing motility.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: BCG vaccination. The Mantoux test is used to detect tuberculosis infection. A negative reaction means the child is not infected. BCG vaccination is recommended for individuals without prior TB infection to prevent severe forms of the disease. Antitoxin and rabies vaccinations are not related to TB and are not indicated in this scenario. Repeating the Mantoux test is unnecessary since a negative result indicates absence of TB infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Benzylpenicillin sodium salt, also known as penicillin G, works by blocking the synthesis of peptidoglycan in the microbial cell wall. Peptidoglycan is crucial for the structural integrity of bacterial cell walls. By inhibiting its synthesis, penicillin disrupts the cell wall formation, leading to cell lysis and bacterial death. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because penicillin does not target cytoplasm proteins, thiol enzymes, or RNA synthesis. Penicillin's primary mode of action is specifically related to interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis.