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: C

Rationale: Granulomatosis infantiseptica is commonly caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known to infect newborns. It can lead to granulomatous lesions in various organs. Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are not typical causes of this condition in infants. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests all listed bacteria are responsible, which is not accurate. Therefore, the correct answer is C as Listeria monocytogenes is the specific pathogen associated with granulomatosis infantiseptica.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Proteus mirabilis. This bacterium shows swarming on blood agar due to its ability to produce flagella and exhibit rapid and coordinated movement. Providencia stuartii and Providencia rettgeri are not known for swarming behavior on blood agar. Morganella morganii can exhibit swarming motility, but it is not as commonly associated with this characteristic compared to Proteus mirabilis, making C the most appropriate choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a bacterium known to cause tuberculosis. Step 2: Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy, not tuberculosis. Step 3: Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, not tuberculosis. Step 4: Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, not tuberculosis. Conclusion: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the correct answer as it is the only bacterium associated with tuberculosis among the choices provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: to sequester iron from the environment. Siderophores are molecules produced by bacteria to chelate and acquire iron, an essential nutrient for their growth and survival. By sequestering iron, bacteria can compete with host cells and other microbes for this vital resource. This enhances their ability to thrive and establish infections. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because siderophores do not directly enhance antibiotic resistance, form capsules, or perform oxidative phosphorylation. These functions are unrelated to the primary role of siderophores in iron acquisition.

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: Acute purulent lymphadenitis. The symptoms described indicate an acute bacterial infection of the lymph nodes. The presence of painful lymph nodes, erythema, and shiny appearance of the skin overlying the nodes suggest an inflammatory process. The rise in temperature and frequent pulse indicate an active infection. The white-coated tongue may be a sign of systemic involvement. The shaky gait may indicate systemic toxicity. Bubonic plague (A) presents with buboes, not just painful lymph nodes. Lymphogranulomatosis (C) is a type of lymphoma and would not present with these acute bacterial infection symptoms. Anthrax (D) typically presents with a black eschar and is less likely in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: 1. The grain-like sediment indicates a precipitation reaction. 2. Precipitins are antibodies that cause precipitation reactions. 3. In serological diagnostics, precipitation reactions are used to detect specific antibodies. 4. Therefore, the reaction revealed in this scenario is due to the presence of precipitins. Summary: A: Bacteriolysins - These antibodies cause bacterial lysis, not precipitation. C: Antitoxins - These antibodies neutralize toxins, not involved in precipitation reactions. D: Opsonins - These antibodies enhance phagocytosis, not related to precipitation reactions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Family Retroviridae is known for having a single-stranded RNA genome. 2. The (-) sign indicates that the RNA strand is negative-sense. 3. Therefore, the correct answer A, "Their capsid consists of two copies of ssRNA(-)," is accurate. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect because Retroviridae have simple type of symmetry. - Choice C is incorrect as Retroviridae are not enveloped viruses. - Choice D is incorrect because Retroviridae are enveloped viruses.