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: 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: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Gram-positive cocci in clusters point to Staphylococcus or Micrococcus. 2. Catalase-positive eliminates Streptococcus. 3. Coagulase-positive distinguishes Staphylococcus aureus. 4. Thus, the causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus. Summary: - B: Streptococcus pyogenes is catalase-negative. - C: Enterococcus faecalis is catalase-negative. - D: Micrococcus luteus is catalase-positive but coagulase-negative.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus. This is because Staphylococcus aureus is Gram-positive, catalase-positive, and coagulase-positive, which matches the characteristics described in the question. Staphylococcus epidermidis is also Gram-positive but is coagulase-negative. Streptococcus pneumoniae is Gram-positive but is catalase-negative. Enterococcus faecalis is Gram-positive but is catalase-negative and coagulase-negative. Therefore, based on the given information, Staphylococcus aureus is the likely causative agent of the wound infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neutralization reaction. This is the most appropriate serological test to reveal botulinum toxin because it involves mixing the patient's serum with known botulinum antitoxin. If the patient's serum contains botulinum toxin, it will neutralize the antitoxin, leading to a lack of toxin-neutralizing ability. The other choices are incorrect because agglutination reaction involves clumping of cells, not suitable for detecting botulinum toxin; Bordet-Gengou test is used to detect antibodies in pertussis infection, not botulinum toxin; and precipitation reaction involves the formation of a solid when two solutions are mixed, not ideal for detecting botulinum toxin.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards in the workplace, including bloodborne pathogen training requirements. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard mandates training for certain at-risk professions to prevent exposure to bloodborne diseases. The CDC (Choice B) focuses on disease prevention and control, not regulatory enforcement. NIA (Choice C) is the National Institute on Aging and not relevant to bloodborne training. WHO (Choice D) is the World Health Organization, which sets global health standards but does not regulate workplace safety in the same capacity as OSHA.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: gram-positive cocci. Staphylococci and streptococci are both types of bacteria that have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which retains the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining process, making them appear purple under a microscope, hence classified as gram-positive cocci. Choice B: gram-negative cocci is incorrect as staphylococci and streptococci are not classified as gram-negative bacteria based on their cell wall structure. Choice C: spirochetes is incorrect as spirochetes are spiral-shaped bacteria with unique motility mechanisms, distinct from the spherical shape of cocci. Choice D: anaerobic gram-negative cocci is incorrect as staphylococci and streptococci are not classified as anaerobic bacteria and do not have the typical characteristics of gram-negative cocci.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Vibrio cholerae produces the exotoxin responsible for severe diarrhea. It causes cholera by disrupting the normal functioning of the intestines. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, not diarrhea. Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat and skin infections. Salmonella enterica causes food poisoning, not severe diarrhea. Therefore, the correct answer is A.