Gram-negative rods producing red colonies on Endo agar were isolated from a fecal sample. The bacteria were lactose-fermenting. What microorganism is likely responsible?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. E. coli is a Gram-negative rod that ferments lactose, leading to red colonies on Endo agar. This bacterium is commonly found in the human gut and is known for its ability to ferment lactose. Salmonella and Shigella are also Gram-negative rods but do not ferment lactose, so they would not produce red colonies on Endo agar. Proteus is a Gram-negative rod that is not known for its lactose-fermenting ability and would not produce red colonies on Endo agar. Therefore, based on the characteristics provided, E. coli is the most likely microorganism responsible for the red colonies on Endo agar.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kitt-Tarozzi medium. This medium is used for the primary inoculation of suture material suspected of causing tetanus. The rationale is that Kitt-Tarozzi medium contains the necessary nutrients to support the growth of Clostridium tetani, the bacterium responsible for tetanus. This medium is selective and helps in isolating the specific pathogen from the contaminated suture material. Summary of other choices: B: Endo agar is used for the isolation of Gram-negative bacteria from clinical and non-clinical samples. C: Sabouraud agar is used for the isolation of fungi and yeast. D: Egg-yolk salt agar is used for the detection of lipase-producing bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Clostridium tetani, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli are all capable of producing exotoxins. Exotoxins are proteins released by bacteria that can cause damage to the host. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin, causing tetanus. Staphylococcus aureus produces toxins like enterotoxin and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1. Escherichia coli can produce Shiga toxin and heat-labile toxin. Therefore, all three bacteria listed can produce exotoxins, making choice D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not encompass all the bacteria capable of producing exotoxins.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The Ascoli precipitation test is specifically used to detect anthrax agent antigens. The test involves mixing a patient's serum with a solution containing anthrax antigens, leading to precipitation if the antigens are present. Therefore, a positive reaction in this test indicates the presence of anthrax agent antigens. The other choices (B: Brucellosis agent, C: Anaerobic infection toxin, D: Plague agent) are incorrect because the Ascoli precipitation test is not designed to detect these specific agents or toxins.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) because different bacteria can cause pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, which can lead to pneumonia. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Therefore, all three bacteria can be responsible for causing pneumonia in different contexts. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each bacterium individually can cause pneumonia, so selecting only one option would not cover the full spectrum of bacterial causes of pneumonia.