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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: urethra. Resident microflora refers to the normal, beneficial bacteria that inhabit a specific area of the body without causing harm. The urethra is one of the locations where resident microflora are commonly found. These bacteria play a vital role in maintaining a healthy balance and preventing harmful pathogens from colonizing the urethra. Blood (A), lung (B), and cerebro-spinal fluid (D) are not typical locations for resident microflora as these areas are usually sterile or have very limited microbial presence to prevent infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum produces the neurotoxin that causes botulism. This bacterium thrives in anaerobic conditions and contaminated food. The neurotoxin blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle paralysis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Escherichia coli can cause food poisoning but not botulism, and Staphylococcus aureus produces enterotoxins causing food poisoning, not botulism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vibrio cholerae. Vibrio cholerae is a comma-shaped rod bacterium that causes high volume watery diarrhea by producing cholera toxin. This toxin leads to the secretion of large amounts of fluid into the intestines. Campylobacter jejuni (A) typically causes bloody diarrhea. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (C) and Proteus mirabilis (D) are not associated with high volume watery diarrhea.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: presence of metachromatic granules. This is because Corynebacterium diphtheriae is known for containing metachromatic granules, which are characteristic of this species. These granules can be observed under a microscope and aid in the identification of the bacteria. Explanation of other choices: A: formation of spores - Corynebacterium diphtheriae does not form spores. Spore formation is more commonly seen in bacteria such as Bacillus and Clostridium species. C: production of coagulase - Coagulase production is a characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus, not Corynebacterium diphtheriae. D: beta-hemolysis on blood agar - Corynebacterium diphtheriae does not exhibit beta-hemolysis on blood agar. This type of hemolysis is more typical of Streptococcus pyogenes.

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: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Blue-green pigment + fruity odor are characteristic of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 2. P. aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium commonly associated with wound infections. 3. P. aeruginosa is known for its ability to produce pyocyanin (blue-green pigment) and a sweet, fruity odor. 4. Other choices like E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. mirabilis do not typically produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor. 5. Therefore, based on the characteristics observed, the likely causative agent is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Summary of other choices: - Escherichia coli: Does not produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor. - Klebsiella pneumoniae: Does not typically produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor. - Proteus mirabilis: Does not produce blue-green pigment or fruity odor.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identification. Bacteria are studied by identification to determine their specific characteristics and differentiate between different species. Taxonomy (A) is the science of classification, not specific to bacteria. Classification (B) is the process of grouping organisms based on shared characteristics, not specific to bacteria. Nomenclature (D) is the naming system for organisms, not the primary method for studying bacteria. Therefore, identification (C) is the correct choice for studying bacteria.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Streptococcus pyogenes is the causative agent of strep throat. 2. If untreated, strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever. 3. Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune complication of streptococcal infections. 4. E. coli, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus are not typically associated with rheumatic fever.