Microscopic examination of pus from a wound revealed Gram-positive cocci in grape-like clusters. The bacteria were catalase- and coagulase-positive. Identify the microorganism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Gram-positive cocci in grape-like clusters suggest Staphylococcus. Step 2: Catalase-positive indicates Staphylococcus (negative for Streptococcus). Step 3: Coagulase-positive is specific for Staphylococcus aureus. Summary: B: Streptococcus pyogenes is catalase-negative. C: Enterococcus faecalis does not form grape-like clusters. D: Micrococcus luteus is catalase-positive but not coagulase-positive.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ebola virus. The patient's symptoms align with Ebola virus infection, including fever, severe hemorrhagic syndrome, and CNS involvement. Ebola virus is known to cause hemorrhagic fevers with high mortality rates. A: SARS CoV causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which typically presents with respiratory symptoms, not hemorrhagic fever. B: Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus usually causes a mild illness with flu-like symptoms, not severe hemorrhagic syndrome. D: ECHO 9 virus is associated with aseptic meningitis, not hemorrhagic fever.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: 1. Gram-positive cocci in clusters suggest Staphylococcus species. 2. Catalase-positive and coagulase-positive characteristics match with Staphylococcus aureus. 3. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of wound infections due to its virulence factors. 4. Other choices are incorrect: B) S. epidermidis is coagulase-negative and a common contaminant, C) S. pyogenes is catalase-negative, D) Enterococcus faecalis is not typically associated with wound infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Gram-positive diplococci with pointed ends indicate Streptococcus pneumoniae. 2. Presence of capsules supports the likelihood of S. pneumoniae. 3. S. pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia. 4. Klebsiella pneumoniae is Gram-negative and does not form diplococci. 5. Neisseria meningitidis typically causes meningitis, not pneumonia. 6. Staphylococcus aureus is Gram-positive but does not typically present as diplococci in pneumonia cases.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because utilizing all three methods—immunofluorescence, viral neutralization reaction, and electron microscopy—provides a comprehensive and rapid diagnosis of various viral infections. Immunofluorescence detects viral antigens directly, viral neutralization reaction demonstrates the presence of specific antibodies, and electron microscopy visualizes viral particles. This combination ensures accurate and quick identification of different viruses. Choices A, B, and C alone may not cover all aspects of viral diagnosis, making them less effective compared to the comprehensive approach of using all three methods.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hepatitis B virus. This is because Hepatitis B virus is a DNA virus, not an RNA virus. The other choices, A (Hepatitis G virus), C (Hepatitis A virus), and D (Hepatitis E virus) are all RNA viruses. Hepatitis B virus is unique as it contains partially double-stranded DNA. DNA viruses replicate through a DNA intermediate, unlike RNA viruses which directly use RNA. Therefore, Hepatitis B virus stands out as the only DNA virus among the given options.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Leptospirosis. Spiral-shaped bacteria with loose coils and pointed ends are characteristic of Leptospira interrogans, the causative agent of Leptospirosis. This bacterium is typically found in contaminated water or soil and can infect humans through contact with infected animals or water. Syphilis (Choice A) is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, which has a more tightly coiled shape and does not typically appear loose or pointed. Relapsing fever (Choice C) is caused by Borrelia species, which are also spirochetes but do not have the loose coils and pointed ends described. Lyme disease (Choice D) is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which, like Relapsing fever, does not match the morphology described.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Gram staining after culture on Loeffler's medium or tellurite-containing medium will show the characteristic Chinese letter arrangement of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This arrangement consists of metachromatic granules that stain more deeply than the rest of the cell. This specific staining pattern is a key diagnostic feature of C. diphtheriae in microbiological diagnosis of diphtheria. Choice A is incorrect because simply identifying the isolate as C. diphtheriae is not sufficient for diagnosis. Choice B is incorrect as C. diphtheriae can be stained via Gram staining despite its small cell size. Choice D is incorrect as option C is indeed correct for microbiological diagnosis of diphtheria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: tRNA. Anticodons are sequences of nucleotides found on tRNA molecules that complement the codons on mRNA during translation. tRNA molecules carry specific amino acids to the ribosome based on the codon-anticodon pairing. Option B, rRNA, forms the structure of the ribosome and is not directly involved in anticodon recognition. Option C, mRNA, contains codons but not anticodons. Option D, ribosomes, are the site of protein synthesis but do not contain the anticodons themselves.