Microscopy of a wound smear revealed Gram-positive rods with terminal spores resembling drumsticks. What microorganism is most likely responsible?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium tetani. The presence of Gram-positive rods with terminal spores resembling drumsticks indicates Clostridium tetani, the causative agent of tetanus. This bacterium forms spores at one end, giving it a drumstick appearance under the microscope. Clostridium perfringens (B) and Clostridium botulinum (D) do not have terminal spores. Bacillus anthracis (C) forms spores but typically appears as a square-ended or bamboo stick shape. Therefore, based on the microscopy findings, Clostridium tetani is the most likely microorganism responsible for the wound infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to produce green colonies on Endo agar due to its pyoverdin pigment. It is also a Gram-negative rod. P. aeruginosa commonly causes respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients. Escherichia coli (B) typically produces pink colonies on Endo agar and is more associated with gastrointestinal infections. Salmonella typhi (C) and Shigella dysenteriae (D) are both Enterobacteriaceae that usually do not produce green colonies on Endo agar and are more associated with gastrointestinal infections as well.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ciprofloxacin. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly resistant to Ampicillin, Cefazolinum, and Azithromycin. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic known for its efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its broad spectrum and ability to penetrate tissues make it the most advisable choice for treating secondary obstructive pyelonephritis caused by this pathogen.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: CDC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for establishing hand-washing guidelines in healthcare settings to prevent infections. CDC is a leading authority in public health and provides evidence-based recommendations. OSHA (A) focuses on workplace safety, NIAD (C) is not a recognized organization, and WHO (D) provides global health guidelines but CDC is the primary authority for hand hygiene in the US healthcare system.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: aspergillosis and candidiasis. Detection of galactomannan and free mannan is commonly used in diagnosing these fungal infections. Galactomannan is a component of the cell wall of Aspergillus species, while free mannan is associated with Candida species. This detection method helps in identifying these specific fungal infections accurately. B: Syphilis is caused by a bacterium, Treponema pallidum, and is not diagnosed using galactomannan or free mannan detection. C: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira species and is not diagnosed using galactomannan or free mannan detection. D: HIV infection is a viral infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus and is not diagnosed using galactomannan or free mannan detection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because Borrelia burgdorferi cannot be detected with Giemsa stain. Giemsa stain is commonly used to visualize blood smears for malaria parasites but is not effective for Borrelia burgdorferi detection. A: Borrelia burgdorferi can be cultivated on blood agar - This is correct. Borrelia burgdorferi can be grown in culture on a special medium like Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly (BSK) agar. B: Borrelia burgdorferi is flexible, motile spirochete - This is correct. Borrelia burgdorferi is a spiral-shaped bacterium that moves using a corkscrew motion. C: Borrelia burgdorferi is transmitted by arthropods- ticks - This is correct. Borrelia burgdorferi is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, particularly Ixodes

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C (Adenoviridae) is correct: 1. Adenoviruses commonly cause respiratory illnesses such as the common cold and bronchitis. 2. They are highly contagious and easily spread through respiratory secretions. 3. Adenoviruses are a common cause of viral conjunctivitis as well. 4. Other choices are incorrect because herpesviruses (choice A) typically cause different types of infections, papovaviruses (choice B) are not common respiratory pathogens, and poxviruses (choice D) are not typically associated with respiratory illnesses.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thick peptidoglycan layer. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining process, leading to a purple color. This thick layer is a defining characteristic of Gram-positive bacteria. Rationale: A: Thin peptidoglycan layer is incorrect because Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer. B: Presence of an outer membrane is incorrect because Gram-positive bacteria lack an outer membrane. D: Presence of lipopolysaccharides is incorrect because lipopolysaccharides are typically found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, not Gram-positive bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Answer A (Sabouraud's) is correct: 1. Sabouraud's agar is a selective medium for fungi. 2. Candida is a type of fungus causing candidosis. 3. Sabouraud's agar promotes fungal growth. 4. Candida will grow on Sabouraud's agar, confirming the diagnosis. 5. Other choices are for bacterial culture, not suitable for fungal growth. Summary: - Endo, Jensen's, and Roux are not appropriate for fungal culture. - Sabouraud's agar specifically supports fungal growth, making it the correct choice for confirming candidosis.