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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clostridium perfringens. This bacterium is the causative agent of gas gangrene due to its ability to produce gas and toxins in anaerobic conditions. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, and Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, not gas gangrene. Clostridium perfringens stands out as the correct choice based on its specific association with gas gangrene and its pathogenic mechanisms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Candida is a fungus commonly isolated from clinical specimens. 2. Sabouraud agar is the most suitable medium for Candida due to its low pH and high dextrose content. 3. Low pH inhibits bacterial growth, while dextrose promotes fungal growth. 4. Zeisler media, Chocolate agar, and Muller-Hinton agar are not specific for fungal isolation. Summary: - Zeisler media is used for anaerobic bacteria. - Chocolate agar is used for fastidious organisms like Haemophilus. - Muller-Hinton agar is for antibiotic susceptibility testing, not fungal isolation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer D is correct: 1. Tetanus exotoxins are produced by Clostridium tetani bacteria. 2. Once formed, the exotoxins can spread through the bloodstream. 3. Retrograde axonal transport allows the exotoxins to travel to the central nervous system (CNS). 4. In the CNS, the exotoxins can cause the symptoms of tetanus. 5. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as tetanus exotoxins do not follow those pathways. In summary, option D is correct as tetanus exotoxins can spread through the blood and reach the CNS via retrograde axonal transport, while the other options do not align with the known pathophysiology of tetanus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Anthrax causative agent is Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores. Step 2: Spores are highly resistant structures that can survive for a long time. Step 3: These spores can germinate into active bacteria when conditions are favorable. Step 4: The presence of spores in the powder makes it dangerous even long after being mailed. Summary: A: Incorrect - Anthrax does not form a protein capsule. B: Incorrect - Anthrax does not form a polysaccharide capsule. C: Correct - Anthrax forms spores that are highly resistant. D: Incorrect - Anthrax does not form flagella.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: ECHO virus infection. ECHO virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, meaning the virus is passed from feces to the mouth. This transmission occurs through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Relapsed fever and spotted fever are generally transmitted by arthropod vectors like ticks. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, spreads through respiratory droplets. Therefore, the fecal-oral route is not applicable to these diseases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Haemolytic streptococci. Hemolytic streptococci are known to cause serious infections in humans, including strep throat and skin infections. These bacteria have the potential to spread rapidly and cause epidemics. Bacilli are a broad category of bacteria and not all are necessarily harmful. Micrococci are commonly found on human skin and are generally harmless. Yeast fungi are also commonly found in the environment and are not typically associated with causing epidemics. Therefore, the presence of hemolytic streptococci in the air of a pharmacy indicates a direct epidemic danger due to their pathogenic nature and potential to cause widespread infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Brill's disease. Brill's disease is a relapse of typhus that occurs in patients who had typhus in their youth. The patient's history of having typhus at 15 years old is a key indicator. Brill's disease is characterized by symptoms such as rash, fever, and dizziness, which align with the patient's current presentation. Summary of other choices: B: Typhoid fever - While typhoid fever may present with similar symptoms to typhus, the patient's history of having typhus in the past makes this less likely. C: Measles - Measles does not typically present with dizziness, and the patient's history of typhus in the past is more indicative of Brill's disease. D: Rubella - Rubella does not typically cause dizziness, and the patient's history of typhus in the past points more towards Brill's disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. On Endo agar, lactose-fermenting bacteria produce red colonies due to acid production. Escherichersia coli is a lactose-fermenting, gram-negative bacillus commonly found in the intestines. Salmonella and Shigella are lactose-negative and do not produce red colonies on Endo agar. Proteus is also lactose-negative and doesn't typically grow on Endo agar. Therefore, based on the lactose fermentation and colony color, Escherichia coli is the most likely microorganism present in the fecal sample.