During a microscopy session, students examined sputum samples stained using Gram's method. Purple-stained diplococci with a capsule were observed. What microorganism is most likely present?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Purple-stained diplococci suggest Gram-positive cocci. 2. Capsule presence is a characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae. 3. S. pneumoniae is known to form diplococci arrangements. 4. Therefore, the microorganism most likely present is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Summary: - B: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod, not a cocci. - C: Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a capsule producer. - D: Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative rod, not a cocci or capsule producer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the structure of the cytoplasmic membrane in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria is fundamentally different. Gram-positive bacteria have a single-layered cytoplasmic membrane, while gram-negative bacteria have a double-layered cytoplasmic membrane with an additional outer membrane. This key difference is crucial for various functions such as antibiotic resistance and nutrient transport. Rationale for the incorrect choices: A: Gram-positive bacteria have a single-layered cytoplasmic membrane, not a double-layered one. C: Prokaryotes do have a cytoplasmic membrane, which is essential for maintaining cell integrity and regulating the passage of molecules. D: Gram-negative bacteria have a double-layered cytoplasmic membrane, not a three-layered one.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, promoting plant growth. Denitrifying bacteria (B) convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen. Photosynthetic bacteria (C) use photosynthesis to produce energy and don't fix nitrogen. Fermentative bacteria (D) break down organic compounds without fixing nitrogen. In summary, only nitrogen-fixing bacteria (A) play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Parenteral introduction of antitetanus serum. The symptoms described in the question, such as bilateral ptosis, mydriatic pupils, and difficulty reading, are indicative of tetanus infection. The source of infection could be the scratch on the knee, which allowed the tetanus bacteria to enter the body. The most appropriate therapy for tetanus is the administration of antitetanus serum to neutralize the tetanus toxin. Antibotulinic serum (choice A) is not appropriate as it is used for botulism, which presents differently. Disintoxication (choice B) is too general and does not address the specific cause of the symptoms. Antibiotics (choice C) are not effective in treating tetanus because it is caused by a toxin, not a bacterial infection. Therefore, the correct course of action is to administer antitetanus serum to the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis due to primary infection. 2. Certain types of cancer, such as Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, are associated with Epstein-Barr virus through oncogenic mechanisms. 3. Chickenpox and shingles are caused by varicella-zoster virus (HHV3). 4. Roseola infantum is caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6). Summary: Choice A is correct as Epstein-Barr virus is linked to infectious mononucleosis and specific cancers. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are caused by different herpesviruses.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To determine the children that need to receive BCG vaccination. The Mantoux test is used to identify individuals who have been exposed to Tuberculosis (TB) and need BCG vaccination for protection. Parotitis (choice A) is a viral infection unrelated to TB. Allergization rate toward rickettsia (choice B) and immune stress toward diphtheria (choice C) are not related to the Mantoux test or BCG vaccination. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer as it aligns with the purpose of the Mantoux test.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces botulinum toxin, leading to botulism. It is commonly found in soil and improperly canned food. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Staphylococcus aureus causes food poisoning, and Salmonella enterica causes salmonellosis. Therefore, A is correct due to its association with botulism, while the other choices are incorrect for causing different diseases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The given characteristics match this bacterium: Gram-positive diplococci, catalase-negative, and alpha-hemolytic. S. pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Other choices are incorrect because Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive, Enterococcus faecalis is not alpha-hemolytic, and Klebsiella pneumoniae is not Gram-positive diplococci.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because enveloped viruses have a lipid bilayer envelope derived from the host cell membrane, which is a complex structure, not exhibiting any specific symmetry. Choice A (cubic symmetry) is incorrect as enveloped viruses do not have any specific geometric shape. Choice B (spiral symmetry) is incorrect as this type of symmetry is typically seen in non-enveloped viruses like helical viruses. Choice C (complex symmetry) is also incorrect as enveloped viruses do not exhibit a specific symmetrical pattern. Therefore, the correct answer is D because enveloped viruses do not have a defined symmetry and can vary in shape and structure.