Saddle nose is characteristic of which of the following congenital infections?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Saddle nose is a condition where the bridge of the nose collapses, a characteristic feature of congenital syphilis. This occurs due to inflammation and destruction of cartilage. Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. CMV, Rubella, and Toxoplasmosis do not typically cause saddle nose. CMV can result in hearing loss, Rubella can lead to cataracts and heart defects, and Toxoplasmosis may cause hydrocephalus or chorioretinitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is a common cause of pneumonia and is known to appear as Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule. The presence of a capsule is a key characteristic of S. pneumoniae. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci but typically does not have a capsule. Neisseria meningitidis (C) is a Gram-negative diplococcus, not a Gram-positive cocci. Klebsiella pneumoniae (D) is a Gram-negative rod, not a Gram-positive cocci. Therefore, based on the staining pattern and the presence of a capsule, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent in this case.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because fungi do not form flagella. Fungi reproduce sexually and asexually (A) through spores, have a cell wall (B) made of chitin, and are mostly aerobic or facultative anaerobes (C). Flagella are structures found in some protozoa and bacteria, not in fungi. Therefore, option D is the only statement that is not true about fungi.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all of the symptoms mentioned (short period of depression, nausea, restlessness) can be early signs of rabies. Rabies typically presents with a variety of non-specific symptoms in the early stages, including behavioral changes such as depression and restlessness, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea. Therefore, it is important to consider the combination of these symptoms collectively rather than individually when suspecting rabies. Choices A, B, and C alone may not definitively indicate rabies, but when seen together, they should raise suspicion and prompt further evaluation and testing for rabies.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The bacitracin sensitivity test is used to differentiate between different types of streptococci. Group A streptococci are sensitive to bacitracin, which means they will show inhibition around the bacitracin disk. This sensitivity is a characteristic feature of group A streptococci and helps in their identification. Staphylococci, pneumococci, and intestinal bacteria do not exhibit this sensitivity to bacitracin. Therefore, the correct answer is D: group A streptococci.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pulmonary tuberculosis. The presence of red bacilli stained with Ziehl-Nielsen method indicates acid-fast bacteria, which are characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. The size and appearance of the bacilli described match those of M. tuberculosis. Chronic pneumonia, along with the specific staining pattern, strongly suggests tuberculosis as the likely diagnosis. Explanation for other choices: A: Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which would not show red bacilli on Ziehl-Nielsen staining. B: Pulmonary actinomycosis is caused by Actinomyces species, not acid-fast bacteria like M. tuberculosis. C: Pulmonary candidiasis is caused by Candida species, which are fungi and do not appear as red bacilli on staining.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The Burri-Gins staining technique is used to identify the presence of capsules around bacteria. Capsules are protective structures that some bacteria produce to evade the immune system. This technique stains the capsule, making it visible under a microscope. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Capsule formation. Incorrect: B: Spore formation - Spores are not typically identified using the Burri-Gins staining technique. C: Acid resistance - This property is not specifically identified by Burri-Gins staining. D: Alkali resistance - This property is not specifically identified by Burri-Gins staining.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani is responsible for causing tetanus due to its production of tetanospasmin toxin. This neurotoxin leads to muscle stiffness and spasms characteristic of tetanus. Clostridium perfringens is associated with gas gangrene, not tetanus. Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat and skin infections, not tetanus. Escherichia coli is a common gut bacteria and is not responsible for tetanus. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer for causing tetanus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the AST reaction, or anti-streptolysin titer, is used in the diagnostic of post-streptococcal sequelae, such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. This test measures the level of antibodies produced by the body in response to Streptolysin O, a toxin produced by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It helps in identifying if a patient has had a recent Streptococcus infection that could lead to these complications. A: Incorrect. The AST reaction does not require urine samples, but rather blood samples. C: Incorrect. The AST reaction specifically targets antibodies produced in response to Group A Streptococcus. D: Incorrect. The AST reaction does not directly identify isolated streptococci but rather measures the body's immune response to Streptolysin O.