Gram staining is used to differentiate bacteria based on:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: cell wall composition. Gram staining differentiates bacteria based on the structure of their cell walls. It classifies bacteria into Gram-positive (thick peptidoglycan layer) and Gram-negative (thin peptidoglycan layer). This differentiation is crucial for identifying bacterial species and guiding treatment choices. Size and shape (choice A) are not specific to Gram staining. Presence of flagella (choice B) is related to bacterial motility, not Gram staining. Genetic material (choice D) is not directly assessed by Gram staining. Overall, the unique composition of the cell wall is the key factor in distinguishing bacteria through Gram staining.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rotavirus. Rotavirus is a member of the Reoviridae family known for causing diarrhea in infants. It infects the lining of the small intestine, leading to symptoms like vomiting and watery diarrhea. Rationale: 1. Rotavirus is specifically known for causing diarrhea in infants. 2. Reoviruses are a family of viruses to which rotavirus belongs. 3. Congovirus (B), Hepadnavirus (C), and Picornavirus (D) do not belong to the Reoviridae family and are not associated with causing diarrhea in infants. In summary, choice A is correct as it aligns with the characteristics of the given family of viruses and their associated symptoms, while choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not fit these criteria.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: cell wall. Lysozyme is an enzyme that targets the cell wall of bacteria by breaking down the peptidoglycan layer, leading to bacterial cell lysis. This action disrupts the structural integrity of the bacteria, ultimately causing their death. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because lysozyme does not target the cytoplasm, nucleus, or capsule of bacteria. The primary function of lysozyme is to act on the cell wall, making option B the correct answer in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Giardia lamblia. Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes foul-smelling diarrhea. The trophozoites of Giardia lamblia have two nuclei and flagella, which are characteristic features seen on stool microscopy. The presence of these specific features helps differentiate Giardia lamblia from the other options. Entamoeba histolytica (B) typically presents with one nucleus and lacks flagella. Trichomonas vaginalis (C) is a sexually transmitted parasite with a different morphology. Balantidium coli (D) is a ciliated parasite, not flagellated like Giardia lamblia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vibrio cholerae. Vibrio cholerae is a comma-shaped rod bacterium that causes high volume watery diarrhea by producing cholera toxin. This toxin leads to the secretion of large amounts of fluid into the intestines. Campylobacter jejuni (A) typically causes bloody diarrhea. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (C) and Proteus mirabilis (D) are not associated with high volume watery diarrhea.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: 1. OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 2. OSHA is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions in the US. 3. The U.S. Department of Labor oversees OSHA's operations and regulations. 4. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as OSHA is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. 5. Other choices are incorrect because they are not directly related to OSHA's jurisdiction or responsibilities.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for correct answer (A: Escherichia coli): 1. Endo agar selects for Gram-negative bacteria. 2. Red colonies on Endo agar indicate lactose fermentation, characteristic of E. coli. 3. E. coli is a common cause of pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised patients. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: - B: Klebsiella pneumoniae: Typically forms mucoid colonies on agar. - C: Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Produces characteristic greenish-blue colonies on agar. - D: Proteus mirabilis: Does not typically ferment lactose, so would not produce red colonies on Endo agar.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: chronic. A persistent infection that is not lytic but productive is characterized by ongoing viral replication without cell lysis. This type of infection is referred to as chronic, as it persists over an extended period. Latent infections involve periods of dormancy with intermittent reactivation. Slow infections typically have a prolonged incubation period before causing symptoms. Transforming infections lead to permanent alterations in host cell behavior. The key distinction for this question is the continuous viral replication without cell destruction, which aligns with the definition of a chronic infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Mantoux test measures cell-mediated immunity response to tuberculosis. Step 2: A negative result means no significant immune response to TB antigens. Step 3: Option A is incorrect, as it refers to antitoxic immunity, not cell immunity. Step 4: Option B is incorrect, as it mentions antibodies, not cell-mediated immunity. Step 5: Option C is incorrect, as it states absence of antibodies, not cell immunity. Step 6: Option D is correct as it directly correlates with the purpose of Mantoux test.