Microscopy of a sputum smear revealed acid-fast bacilli stained red using the Ziehl-Neelsen method. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of acid-fast bacilli stained red using the Ziehl-Neelsen method indicates a mycobacterial infection. Among the choices, tuberculosis is the most common mycobacterial infection affecting the lungs, presenting with acid-fast bacilli in sputum. Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, but it typically does not show up in sputum smears. Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which is not acid-fast. Pneumonia is a general term for lung inflammation caused by various pathogens, not specifically mycobacteria. Therefore, the correct diagnosis is tuberculosis based on the microscopy findings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) because all three bacteria mentioned (Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli) are associated with foodborne illnesses. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, Salmonella enterica causes salmonellosis, and Escherichia coli can cause food poisoning. Each of these bacteria can contaminate food and lead to illnesses when consumed. Therefore, selecting all of the above is the correct choice. The other choices (A, B, C) are incorrect because each of those bacteria individually is associated with foodborne illnesses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most likely causative agent in this case is Staphylococcus epidermidis. This conclusion can be drawn based on the characteristics provided: Gram-positive cocci in clusters, catalase-positive, and coagulase-negative. Staphylococcus epidermidis fits all these criteria. Explanation of other choices: - Staphylococcus aureus: Typically coagulase-positive, so it does not match the characteristics given. - Streptococcus pyogenes: Gram-positive cocci in chains, not clusters. Also, it is catalase-negative. - Enterococcus faecalis: Gram-positive cocci in pairs or chains, not clusters. Additionally, it is catalase-negative. Therefore, Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most likely causative agent based on the provided characteristics.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is responsible for causing tuberculosis as it specifically infects the lungs and can spread through the air. Mycobacterium leprae (choice A) causes leprosy, not tuberculosis. Streptococcus pneumoniae (choice C) is a common cause of pneumonia but not tuberculosis. Clostridium botulinum (choice D) causes botulism, a different disease unrelated to tuberculosis. Therefore, the unique characteristics and infection pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis make it the correct choice for the bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the complement fixation test is a serological test that detects the presence of specific antibodies or antigens in a patient's serum. It works by measuring the ability of antibodies to fix complement proteins. Choice A is incorrect because the complement fixation test typically involves several steps, not necessarily three. Choice C is incorrect as standardized complement proteins are commonly used in this test. Choice D is incorrect because sheep red blood cells are not essential for performing the complement fixation test.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: virulence. Virulence refers to the degree or extent of disease-evoking power that a microorganism possesses. This term specifically describes the ability of a microorganism to cause disease in a host. It is a crucial factor in understanding the pathogenicity of different microorganisms. Choice B: strength is incorrect because it does not specifically relate to the disease-causing potential of a microorganism. Choice C: resistance refers to the ability of an organism to withstand the effects of a particular agent, such as a drug or environmental factor. Choice D: competence is not directly related to the disease-causing ability of a microorganism, but rather refers to the ability of an organism to perform a specific function effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Step 2: This bacterium produces toxins that damage the respiratory tract, leading to severe coughing fits. Step 3: Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae causes respiratory infections, and Staphylococcus aureus causes skin infections. Step 4: Therefore, A is the correct answer as it is the only bacterium directly associated with whooping cough.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because polio viruses are primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory secretions. Feces, nasopharyngeal swabs, and cerebrospinal fluid are the most suitable materials for isolating polio viruses due to their presence in these body fluids. Feces contain the virus shed from the intestines, nasopharyngeal swabs collect respiratory secretions where the virus may be present, and cerebrospinal fluid is important for detecting the virus in cases of neurological complications. Choices A and B include irrelevant body fluids that are not typically associated with polio virus transmission. Option C is too limited as the virus can also be present in respiratory secretions and cerebrospinal fluid, not just feces.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to produce a blue-green pigment called pyocyanin, which is characteristic of the organism. Additionally, it has a distinct fruity odor due to the production of certain volatile compounds. Escherichia coli (B) does not produce blue-green pigment or have a fruity odor. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) and Proteus mirabilis (D) also do not exhibit these specific characteristics associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.