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: A

Rationale: Step 1: The patient's symptoms align with tetanus infection, such as muscle spasms and fever. Step 2: Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria found in soil. Step 3: The wound from tilling soil provides an entry point for the bacteria. Step 4: Delayed seeking medical attention increases the risk of tetanus development. Step 5: Tetanus toxin affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Summary: Choice A is correct due to symptom alignment, bacterial source, wound type, delayed treatment, and specific neurological effects. Choices B, C, and D lack these specific connections to the given scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Metronidazole is known to inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in alcohol metabolism. 2. Inhibition of this enzyme leads to accumulation of acetaldehyde, causing unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is consumed. 3. This reaction is known as the disulfiram-like reaction. 4. Reserpine, Clonidine, and Diazepam do not have this specific mechanism of action. Summary: - Option A (Metronidazole) is correct due to its inhibition of alcohol metabolism. - Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not exhibit this interaction with alcohol metabolism.

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Intracellular parasitism. Genus Rickettsia representatives are known for their ability to live and replicate inside the host's cells, making them obligate intracellular parasites. This characteristic distinguishes them from other bacteria. A: Gram-positive cell wall is incorrect because Rickettsia have a gram-negative cell wall. B: High resistance to external environment factors is incorrect because Rickettsia are sensitive to environmental conditions and require specific host cells for survival. D: None of the above is incorrect because Rickettsia do exhibit the characteristic of intracellular parasitism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. The presence of Gram-positive diplococci with a capsule is characteristic of S. pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia, especially in patients with fever and cough. It is also known for causing infections such as otitis media and sinusitis. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci but does not typically form diplococci or have a capsule. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus commonly associated with meningitis, not pneumonia. Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is a Gram-negative rod, not a diplococcus, and is more commonly associated with pneumonia in immunocompromised patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: microbemia. When microorganisms enter the circulatory system via the lymphatic drainage, the condition is specifically termed microbemia. This term focuses on the presence of microorganisms in the bloodstream. Rationale: 1. Bacteremia (choice A) refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, not specifically microorganisms as a whole. 2. Septicemia (choice B) is a severe infection causing systemic inflammation due to the presence of pathogens or their toxins in the blood, not limited to microorganisms entering via lymphatic drainage. 3. Viremia (choice D) is the presence of viruses in the bloodstream, not a term used for microorganisms entering through the lymphatic drainage. In summary, the term microbemia accurately describes the scenario of microorganisms entering the circulatory system through lymphatic drainage, making it the correct choice over the other options.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Campylobacter jejuni. This bacterium is Gram-negative and comma-shaped, commonly causing respiratory infections. Vibrio cholerae (A) causes cholera, not respiratory infections. Shigella dysenteriae (B) causes dysentery, not respiratory infections. Helicobacter pylori (D) is associated with gastric ulcers, not respiratory infections. Therefore, Campylobacter jejuni is the most likely causative agent based on the given information.

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.