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: 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: 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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: halophiles. Halophiles are bacteria that thrive in high salt concentrations due to their ability to regulate osmotic pressure. They have adapted mechanisms to survive in such extreme environments. Option A, acidophiles, thrive in acidic conditions, not high salt concentrations. Option B, thermophiles, thrive in high temperature environments. Option D, mesophiles, thrive in moderate temperature conditions, not necessarily high salt concentrations. Therefore, the correct choice is C as it specifically refers to bacteria that thrive in high salt concentrations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae are the most common causative agents of bacterial meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause in adults, Neisseria meningitidis is common in adolescents and young adults, and Haemophilus influenzae is more frequent in children. The other choices, Rubella virus (C) and Herpangina (D), are not bacterial agents known to cause meningitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct staining technique for sputum smears obtained from a tuberculosis patient is Ziehl-Neelsen staining. This technique uses carbol fuchsin dye to stain the acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, red. Here's a step-by-step rationale: 1. Ziehl-Neelsen staining is specifically designed to detect acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 2. Carbol fuchsin dye is used to penetrate the mycolic acid layer in the cell wall of the bacteria, making them resistant to decolorization. 3. Acid-alcohol is used as a decolorizer to remove the stain from non-acid-fast bacteria. 4. Methylene blue is used as a counterstain to visualize non-acid-fast bacteria in blue. Therefore, Ziehl-Neelsen staining is the most appropriate technique for identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum smears. Other choices like Gram, Giemsa, and

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because there are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, while HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. Choice A is incorrect because there is more than one type. Choices C and D are also incorrect as there are only two types of herpes simplex virus known to infect humans.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium perfringens. This is because Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive rod bacterium that forms terminal spores. It is commonly associated with deep tissue infections and can cause gas gangrene. Bacillus anthracis (B) causes anthrax and does not typically form spores at the terminal end. Clostridium tetani (C) causes tetanus and Bacillus cereus (D) is more commonly associated with food poisoning. In this case, the presence of terminal spores along with the clinical presentation of a deep tissue infection points towards Clostridium perfringens as the most likely causative agent.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because disinfectants are non-selective and can harm a wide range of microbial cells. Disinfectants work by disrupting cell membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids, affecting both harmful and beneficial microorganisms. Choices A and B are incorrect because disinfectants are designed to be potent and non-selective. Choice D is incorrect because the effects of disinfectants are often permanent and irreversible on microbial cells.