Another term for spontaneous generation is __________.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: abiogenesis. Spontaneous generation refers to the idea that living organisms can arise from non-living matter, which was disproven by Louis Pasteur. Abiogenesis specifically refers to the origin of life from non-living matter, making it synonymous with spontaneous generation. Biogenesis (A) is the principle that living organisms only come from other living organisms. Evolution (C) is the process of gradual change in species over time. Spontaneity (D) refers to happening without external cause and is not directly related to the concept of spontaneous generation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. The presence of cysts with four nuclei is characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite causing amoebic dysentery. It forms cysts with four nuclei before maturing into trophozoites. Balantidium coli (B) is a ciliated protozoan causing balantidiasis, not known for four-nuclei cysts. Giardia lamblia (C) forms cysts with two nuclei, causing giardiasis. Trichomonas hominis (D) is a non-pathogenic flagellate found in the human colon, not associated with four-nuclei cysts.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The likely diagnosis is Meningococcal meningitis (Choice A) due to the presence of Gram-negative diplococci in the cerebrospinal fluid. Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus commonly associated with meningococcal meningitis. Fever, chills, and neck stiffness are classic symptoms of bacterial meningitis, and Neisseria meningitidis often presents with these symptoms. Pneumococcal meningitis (Choice B) is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a Gram-positive organism. Haemophilus influenzae (Choice C) is also a Gram-negative organism but typically presents with a different clinical picture. Listeria monocytogenes (Choice D) is a Gram-positive rod and is more commonly associated with meningitis in neonates, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacterium is commonly associated with pneumonia in elderly patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium that frequently causes pneumonia in individuals with underlying health conditions. It is known for its ability to produce a distinctive mucoid capsule. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (B) is more commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Escherichia coli (C) is a common cause of urinary tract infections but is less likely in this case due to the symptoms and sputum sample results. Haemophilus influenzae (D) is another common respiratory pathogen, but in this scenario, Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent based on the patient's age, symptoms, and the characteristics of the bacteria described in the sputum sample.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: biofilms. Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms that adhere to a surface and are embedded in a matrix. This is the most appropriate term as it specifically describes the organization of various species into complex communities on a surface. Colonies (A) refer to groups of cells of the same species, not necessarily multiple species. Ecosystems (C) are broader systems involving interactions between living organisms and their environment. Plagues (D) are outbreaks of disease, not a term used to describe organized microbial communities.