Gram-positive cocci arranged in chains were found in a wound smear. The bacteria were catalase-negative and beta-hemolytic on blood agar. What is the causative agent?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium fits all the given characteristics: Gram-positive cocci arranged in chains, catalase-negative, and beta-hemolytic on blood agar. Streptococcus pyogenes is known for causing skin and soft tissue infections. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is catalase-positive and typically forms clusters, not chains. Enterococcus faecalis (C) is catalase-negative but not beta-hemolytic. Micrococcus luteus (D) is catalase-positive and not typically associated with wound infections.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: C is the correct answer because antibodies formed against Mycobacterium tuberculosis are not protective. They do not efficiently clear the infection due to the bacterium's ability to evade the immune response by residing intracellularly in macrophages. Antibodies play a minimal role in controlling tuberculosis compared to cell-mediated immunity. Summary: A is incorrect because Mycobacterium tuberculosis does contain mycolic acid in its cell wall. B is incorrect because the pathogen can indeed live intracellularly in macrophages. D is incorrect as C is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the NSP4 nonstructural protein of rotaviruses indeed acts in a toxic-like manner by disrupting calcium homeostasis, leading to diarrhea. Choice B is incorrect as rotaviruses can cause significant disease in infants, but not typically in adults. Choice C is incorrect as rotaviruses are resistant to stomach acid. Choice D is incorrect as rotaviruses cause a net secretion of water and loss of ions, contributing to diarrhea.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: endogenous infections. This term refers to infections caused by microorganisms that are normally present in or on the body. In the context of vaginal infections, an overgrowth of the normal flora can lead to an imbalance and result in infection. Choice B, chronic infections, does not specifically address the source of the infection. Choice C, iatrogenic infections, refers to infections caused by medical intervention, not normal flora overgrowth. Choice D, fatal infections, is incorrect as it does not describe the nature or source of the infection. In summary, the term "endogenous infections" accurately describes the scenario of vaginal infections caused by an overgrowth of normal flora.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Rubella virus belongs to the Togaviridae family, which typically exhibits icosahedral symmetry. Step 2: Icosahedral symmetry refers to a structure with 20 equilateral triangular faces, which is characteristic of many viruses, including rubella. Step 3: Therefore, choice A is correct as rubella virus indeed has icosahedral type of symmetry. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as rubella virus is an ssRNA virus, not ssDNA. - Choice C is incorrect as rubella virus does have an envelope derived from the host cell membrane. - Choice D is incorrect as rubella virus does have glycoprotein spikes on its surface.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the cytoplasmic membrane in bacteria is primarily composed of phospholipids, glycerol, and glycolipids. Phospholipids form the basic structure of the membrane, with glycerol serving as the backbone and glycolipids present on the outer surface. Lipopolysaccharides (choice B) are primarily found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, not the cytoplasmic membrane. Choice C is incorrect because peptidoglycan is a component of the bacterial cell wall, not the cytoplasmic membrane. Choice D is incorrect as the cytoplasmic membrane in bacteria is indeed composed of phospholipids, glycerol, and glycolipids.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisser staining method. Neisser staining method is used to stain diphtheria bacilli, which appear as blue rods with thickenings at the poles. The rationale is that Neisser staining specifically targets and highlights the characteristics of the diphtheria bacilli. Incorrect choices: B: Gram staining is not specific for diphtheria bacilli and does not show the characteristic blue rods with thickenings at the poles. C: Ziehl-Neelsen staining is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not for diphtheria bacilli. D: Loeffler staining is used for diphtheria bacilli but does not produce blue rods with thickenings at the poles as seen in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: "Fried egg" colonies typically refer to colonies with a raised center and flattened periphery, resembling the appearance of a fried egg. Step 2: Actinomycetes are filamentous bacteria known to form "fried egg" colonies in nutrient medium. Step 3: Actinomycetes are commonly found in soil and are known to be phytopathogenic microorganisms. Step 4: Actinomycetes produce secondary metabolites with medicinal properties, making them a likely agent from a medicinal herb. Overall, the correct answer is C (Actinomycetes) as they fit the description provided in the question and are commonly associated with the given scenario. The other choices are incorrect as they do not exhibit the specific characteristics mentioned in the question or are not typically associated with forming "fried egg" colonies in nutrient medium.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: yeast and molds. Yeast and molds can resist acidic pH due to their ability to maintain a stable internal pH through various mechanisms such as ion transport and cell wall composition. Bacteria, including E. coli, are generally more sensitive to acidic conditions. Choice D is incorrect as yeast and molds are known to thrive in acidic environments.