Generalized meningococcal infection is usually treated with antibiotic drugs EXCEPT:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nystatin. Nystatin is an antifungal medication, not an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like generalized meningococcal infection. Penicillin G, macrolides, and chloramphenicol are antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections, including meningococcal infections. Penicillin G is the drug of choice for meningococcal infections, while macrolides and chloramphenicol are alternative options. Nystatin is not effective against bacteria, so it is not a suitable treatment for meningococcal infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Within 24 hours. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis should ideally be initiated as soon as possible after a potentially infectious bite to prevent the virus from spreading and causing symptoms. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent the virus from reaching the central nervous system. Waiting beyond 24 hours increases the risk of the virus reaching the brain and becoming fatal. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because waiting for 6 months, a week, or 2 weeks respectively would significantly delay treatment, allowing the virus to progress and potentially become untreatable.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Treponema pallidum. This is because Treponema pallidum is a thin spiral bacteria with 12-14 coils and pointed ends, which matches the description given in the question. Treponema pallidum is the causative agent of syphilis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Leptospira - Leptospira is a spiral-shaped bacteria, but it does not have the specific characteristics mentioned in the question. C: Borrelia - Borrelia is another spiral-shaped bacteria, but it does not match the specific features described in the question. D: Spirochaeta - Spirochaeta is a genus of spiral-shaped bacteria, but it does not fit the description of having 12-14 coils and pointed ends as mentioned in the question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (25°C) because dimorphic fungi typically grow as molds at lower temperatures. At 25°C, the fungus is likely in its mold phase, which is the preferred temperature range for mold growth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 15°C and 20°C are too low for optimal mold growth, and 37°C is too high as it typically favors the yeast phase of dimorphic fungi. Therefore, the preferred temperature for mold growth of a dimorphic fungus is 25°C.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Toxin production test. Rationale: 1. Diphtheria is caused by a toxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. 2. To confirm if the carrier is dangerous, we need to test if they are producing the toxin. 3. The toxin production test directly assesses if the bacteria are producing the harmful toxin. 4. Positive results indicate the carrier is dangerous and can transmit the disease to others. Summary of other choices: B: Mouse neutralization test - Used to detect diphtheria antitoxin levels in blood, not to confirm if the carrier is dangerous. C: Immunofluorescence test - Used to detect specific antigens or antibodies, not directly related to confirming the carrier's danger. D: Complement fixation test - Measures immune response, not specific to toxin production confirmation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: All microorganisms. Sterilization aims to eliminate all microorganisms, including pathogenic and non-pathogenic ones, to ensure complete absence of viable organisms. This is crucial in medical, laboratory, and food preparation settings to prevent contamination and spread of infections. Choices A and B are incorrect because sterilization does not differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, aiming to eradicate all. Choice D is incorrect as sterilization does involve releasing subjects (microorganisms) using physical methods.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed produce toxins that cause damage to host tissues. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin toxin causing tetanus, Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to severe diarrhea, and Staphylococcus aureus releases toxins causing tissue damage in various infections. Therefore, all of the above choices are correct in terms of producing toxins that harm host tissues.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) as all three bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Neisseria meningitidis) produce endotoxins causing fever and shock. Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and can trigger an immune response leading to fever and shock. Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are common causes of food poisoning and sepsis, while Neisseria meningitidis is responsible for meningococcal meningitis and septicemia. Therefore, all three choices are correct in producing endotoxins that can cause fever and shock.