Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fluconazole. 1. Fluconazole is an antifungal agent effective against Candida species commonly causing candidiasis. 2. Streptomycin (B) is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, not fungal. 3. Phthalylsulfathiazole (C) is an antibacterial agent, not antifungal. 4. Ampicillin (D) is a β-lactam antibiotic, which can actually contribute to fungal infections like candidiasis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dysenteric amoeba. 1. Dysenteric amoeba causes amoebiasis, which presents with symptoms like weakness, intestinal pain, and gastrointestinal disorders. 2. The presence of four-nucleus cysts in the feces indicates an infection with Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amoebiasis. 3. Multiple-nucleus cysts are characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica, distinguishing it from other protozoa. 4. Lamblia (choice A), Balantidium (choice C), and Trichomonas (choice D) are not associated with four-nucleus cysts or the mentioned symptoms, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The function of bacterial pili is to aid in adhesion. Pili are hair-like structures on the bacterial surface that help the bacteria attach to surfaces or other cells. This adhesion is crucial for colonization and infection. Pili do not provide motility, as that is typically done by flagella. Bacteria form spores for survival under harsh conditions, and protein synthesis is carried out by ribosomes, not pili. Thus, the correct answer is B, aiding in adhesion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because plasmids do not encode essential bacterial properties. They are non-essential, extra-chromosomal DNA molecules that can replicate independently within bacterial cells. Plasmids mainly contain genes for antibiotic resistance, genetic transfer, and other specific functions. Choice A is correct as many plasmids do carry antibiotic resistance genes. Choice B is also accurate as plasmids are indeed smaller, circular, and exist outside the bacterial chromosome. Choice D is true as plasmids can facilitate bacterial conjugation, allowing the transfer of genetic material between bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helicobacterial infection. This is the most probable leading mechanism of disease development in this case because the patient's symptoms, such as heartburn, epigastric pain, food intolerance, and presence of a duodenal ulcer with a positive urease test, are classic signs of Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacterium colonizes the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and ulcer formation. The exacerbations in spring and autumn could be due to seasonal variations in immune response. Choice B: Dietary allergy is incorrect because the symptoms and findings in the patient are more indicative of an infectious etiology rather than an allergic reaction to specific foods. Choice C: Autoantibody production is unlikely as there are no indications of an autoimmune process in this case. Choice D: Reduced prostaglandin synthesis is not the leading mechanism as the symptoms and findings are more consistent with an infectious cause rather than a deficiency in prostaglandin synthesis.