Infectious diseases in the adult population are responsible for about one third of all deaths in individuals over the age of:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (60 years) because as individuals age, their immune system weakens, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases. Around the age of 60, people are more likely to succumb to infections, leading to a higher mortality rate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are younger ages, and the likelihood of infectious diseases causing a significant proportion of deaths increases with age.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of tuberculosis. 2. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a slow-growing, acid-fast bacterium. 3. It primarily infects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. 4. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, and Treponema pallidum causes syphilis. 5. Therefore, choice A, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is the correct answer for the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidiasis. The large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus described in the stool sample is consistent with Balantidium coli, the causative agent of balantidiasis. Balantidium coli is the only ciliated protozoan parasite that infects humans and presents with these specific characteristics. Giardiasis (B) is caused by Giardia intestinalis, which is flagellated, not ciliated. Amoebiasis (C) is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which has an amoeboid shape, not ciliated. Trichomoniasis (D) is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, which is a flagellated protozoan and does not have a kidney-shaped macronucleus. Hence, the correct diagnosis in this case is Balantidiasis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because spores are heat-resistant and require high temperatures for destruction. Autoclaving at 121°C for 15-20 minutes ensures spore destruction due to the high pressure and temperature. Choice B (heating to 80°C) is insufficient to destroy spores. Choice C (boiling at 100°C for 10 minutes) is also inadequate as spores require higher temperatures for elimination. Choice D (None of them) is incorrect as autoclaving is the standard method for spore sterilization.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Giardia lamblia. Giardia is a flagellated protozoa with two nuclei, causing diarrhea. It is commonly found in contaminated water sources. Entamoeba histolytica (B) causes amoebic dysentery with trophozoites in stool. Trichomonas vaginalis (C) causes sexually transmitted infections, not diarrhea. Balantidium coli (D) is a ciliated protozoa causing dysentery with ciliated trophozoites. Therefore, Giardia lamblia is the most likely causative agent in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thick peptidoglycan layer. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining process, leading to a purple color. This thick layer is a defining characteristic of Gram-positive bacteria. Rationale: A: Thin peptidoglycan layer is incorrect because Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer. B: Presence of an outer membrane is incorrect because Gram-positive bacteria lack an outer membrane. D: Presence of lipopolysaccharides is incorrect because lipopolysaccharides are typically found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, not Gram-positive bacteria.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Typhoid fever, Brucellosis. Both Typhoid fever and Brucellosis are bacterial infections that can lead to bacteremia, the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. In Typhoid fever, the causative agent Salmonella typhi can enter the bloodstream, causing bacteremia. Similarly, Brucellosis, caused by Brucella species, can also result in bacteremia. Choice A is incorrect because bacteremia is not typically observed in Diphtheria. Choice C, Cholera, is caused by a toxin-producing bacterium and does not usually lead to bacteremia. Choice D, Dysentery, is a condition characterized by bloody diarrhea and is primarily caused by parasites or bacteria that typically do not lead to bacteremia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tuberculosis and mycobacterioses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, and other mycobacteria can survive in the soil for extended periods. Here's the rationale: 1. Mycobacteria have a waxy cell wall that provides resistance to harsh environmental conditions. 2. The slow growth rate of mycobacteria allows them to persist in the soil for long periods. 3. Tuberculosis and mycobacterioses are known to be transmitted through environmental exposure, including soil. 4. Colibacillosis and cholera (Choice C) are caused by enteric bacteria that do not survive well in soil. 5. Leptospirosis and plague (Choice D) are bacterial diseases transmitted through animal hosts and are not known to be soil-borne.