During an examination of feces from a patient with dysentery symptoms, large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus were found. What is the causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidium coli. Balantidium coli is a large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus, commonly found in the feces of individuals with dysentery symptoms. Its morphology matches the description given in the question, making it the most likely causative agent. Summary of other choices: B: Entamoeba histolytica - This is not the correct answer because Entamoeba histolytica is a small amoeba with no cilia and a different nucleus shape. C: Giardia lamblia - This is not the correct answer as Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoa with a pear-shaped nucleus, different from the description provided. D: Trichomonas hominis - This is not the correct answer as Trichomonas hominis is a flagellated protozoa with multiple flagella and an undulating membrane, which does not match the characteristics of the

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shigella dysenteriae. It is the likely causative agent because it is a non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rod commonly associated with severe diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae specifically causes bacillary dysentery. Other choices are incorrect because: B: Escherichia coli is a lactose-fermenting bacterium commonly found in the gut and not typically associated with severe diarrhea. C: Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever, not severe diarrhea. D: Proteus mirabilis is a urease-positive bacterium associated with urinary tract infections, not severe diarrhea.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Syphilis. Hutchinson's triad is a classic presentation of congenital syphilis. Barrel-shaped teeth, parenchymatous keratitis, and deafness are hallmark signs. These occur due to infection of the fetus by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Syphilis can lead to various systemic manifestations, including skeletal abnormalities, skin lesions, and neurological complications. Opisthorchiasis, Toxoplasmosis, and Tuberculosis do not typically present with the specific triad described in the question. Opisthorchiasis is a parasitic infection, Toxoplasmosis is caused by a protozoan, and Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because spores are heat-resistant and require high temperatures for destruction. Autoclaving at 121°C for 15-20 minutes ensures spore destruction due to the high pressure and temperature. Choice B (heating to 80°C) is insufficient to destroy spores. Choice C (boiling at 100°C for 10 minutes) is also inadequate as spores require higher temperatures for elimination. Choice D (None of them) is incorrect as autoclaving is the standard method for spore sterilization.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because virulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes exhibit multiple pathogenic factors. A: They do not have endotoxin-like substances, so this is incorrect. B: They are indeed facultative intracellular bacteria, aiding in their ability to survive and replicate inside host cells. C: They produce hemolysin, which helps them lyse red blood cells. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as all of the above statements are true for virulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tuberculosis and mycobacterioses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, and other mycobacteria can survive in the soil for extended periods. Here's the rationale: 1. Mycobacteria have a waxy cell wall that provides resistance to harsh environmental conditions. 2. The slow growth rate of mycobacteria allows them to persist in the soil for long periods. 3. Tuberculosis and mycobacterioses are known to be transmitted through environmental exposure, including soil. 4. Colibacillosis and cholera (Choice C) are caused by enteric bacteria that do not survive well in soil. 5. Leptospirosis and plague (Choice D) are bacterial diseases transmitted through animal hosts and are not known to be soil-borne.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidium coli. Balantidium coli is a large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus, commonly found in the feces of individuals with dysentery symptoms. Its morphology matches the description given in the question, making it the most likely causative agent. Summary of other choices: B: Entamoeba histolytica - This is not the correct answer because Entamoeba histolytica is a small amoeba with no cilia and a different nucleus shape. C: Giardia lamblia - This is not the correct answer as Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoa with a pear-shaped nucleus, different from the description provided. D: Trichomonas hominis - This is not the correct answer as Trichomonas hominis is a flagellated protozoa with multiple flagella and an undulating membrane, which does not match the characteristics of the

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium is associated with the formation of dental caries due to its ability to metabolize sugars and produce acids that demineralize tooth enamel. Streptococcus pneumoniae (choice A) is not typically associated with dental caries. Bacillus anthracis (choice C) causes anthrax, not dental caries. Clostridium botulinum (choice D) causes botulism, not dental caries. Streptococcus mutans' unique characteristics make it the correct choice for the bacteria associated with dental caries.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Paramyxoviridae. Mumps virus is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, based on its characteristics such as structure, genome organization, and replication cycle. Paramyxoviruses are enveloped, non-segmented RNA viruses with a helical nucleocapsid. They replicate in the cytoplasm and bud from the host cell membrane. Coronaviridae (A) are a different family of viruses with distinct characteristics. Picornaviridae (B) and Orthomyxoviridae (C) are also different families with unique features that do not match those of the mumps virus.