An outbreak of food poisoning was recorded in an urban settlement. The illness was diagnosed as botulism on the grounds of clinical presentations. What foodstuffs should be chosen for analysis in the first place in order to confirm the diagnosis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tinned food. Botulism is often caused by the botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can be present in improperly canned foods. Analyzing tinned food allows for direct detection of the toxin or bacteria, confirming the diagnosis. Potatoes, pasteurized milk, and boiled meat are less likely sources of botulism compared to tinned food, making them less suitable for initial analysis in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisser staining. This method is specifically used to identify cytoplasmic inclusions by staining them with a specific dye that highlights these structures. Neisser staining is designed to selectively target and visualize cytoplasmic inclusions, making it the most appropriate choice for this purpose. Option B: Clett staining, Option C: Ziehl-Nielsen staining, and Option D: Gram staining are not typically used for identifying cytoplasmic inclusions. Clett staining is not a commonly known staining method for this purpose. Ziehl-Nielsen staining is primarily used to detect acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Gram staining is used to differentiate bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative based on cell wall characteristics. Therefore, these options are not suitable for identifying cytoplasmic inclusions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Uptake of naked DNA from the environment. Bacterial transformation is a process where bacteria take up free DNA from their surroundings and incorporate it into their own genome. This process is essential for genetic recombination and the acquisition of new traits. Plasmids are small DNA molecules that can be transferred between bacteria, but not necessarily through pili. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and transfer their DNA, but this is not the primary mechanism of bacterial transformation. Binary fission is a method of bacterial reproduction, not related to the uptake of DNA.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Carrying antibiotic resistance genes. Bacterial plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can carry genes, including those for antibiotic resistance. This allows bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics. Plasmids do not directly regulate bacterial growth (A), produce toxins (C), or facilitate endospore formation (D). Plasmids play a crucial role in the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: protozoan. Babesiosis is caused by a protozoan parasite called Babesia. Protozoans are single-celled organisms that can cause various diseases in humans. Babesiosis is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Bacteria (choice A), viruses (choice B), and helminths (choice C) are not responsible for causing babesiosis. Bacteria are typically responsible for diseases like Lyme disease, viruses for illnesses like Zika, and helminths for infections such as parasitic worms. Thus, the correct choice for the causative agent of babesiosis is a protozoan.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: glycocalyx. The glycocalyx is a matrix formed outside the plasma membrane that consists of glycoproteins and glycolipids. It plays crucial roles in cell-cell recognition, protection, and immune response. Cytoplasm (A) is the gel-like substance inside the cell, not outside. Exoplasm (C) is not a recognized term in biology. Cell wall (D) is a rigid structure found in plant cells, not outside the plasma membrane in all cells.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Plague. Yersinia pestis is a bacterium that causes plague, a serious infectious disease transmitted through infected fleas or direct contact with infected animals. Yersinia pestis does not cause Cholera (choice A) or AIDS (choice B). Choice D, None of the above, is incorrect as Yersinia pestis is indeed the causative agent of plague.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Biological oxidation. Haematrophic bacteria obtain energy through biological oxidation, where they break down organic compounds to generate ATP for cellular processes. This process involves the transfer of electrons from the substrate to an electron transport chain to produce energy. Heat production (A) is a byproduct of metabolism, not the primary way to obtain energy. In biosynthetic reactions (C), energy is utilized rather than generated. Cultivation in culture media (D) is a method of growing bacteria but does not directly provide energy. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it aligns with the metabolic process of haematrophic bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is Amebiasis (choice A) because the patient's symptoms of acute gastrointestinal disorders and prolonged stay in an African country suggest exposure to Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amebiasis. This protozoal infection commonly occurs in tropical regions, including Africa. Trypanosomosis (choice B) is caused by Trypanosoma species transmitted by tsetse flies, primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. Leishmaniasis (choice C) is transmitted by sandflies and presents with skin lesions or visceral involvement, not acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Malaria (choice D) is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by mosquitoes and typically presents with fever, not acute gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect based on the patient's clinical presentation and travel history.