Sputum smears of a patient with chronic pulmonary disease were stained by Ziehl-Neelsen method and analyzed in the bacteriological laboratory. Microscopy revealed red bacillus. What property of tuberculosis myobacteria was found?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acid resistance. Tuberculosis mycobacteria have a unique cell wall structure that makes them resistant to acid-fast staining methods like Ziehl-Neelsen. This is due to the high lipid content of their cell walls, specifically mycolic acids, which prevent the penetration of stains and acids. The red bacilli observed in the smear indicate that the mycobacteria retained the primary stain (carbolfuchsin) after acid-alcohol decolorization, confirming their acid resistance. Summary: - Choice A: Acid resistance is correct due to the unique cell wall structure of tuberculosis mycobacteria. - Choice B: Alkali resistance is incorrect as mycobacteria are not known for being resistant to alkalis. - Choice C: Alcohol resistance is incorrect as mycobacteria are not specifically resistant to alcohols. - Choice D: Encapsulation is incorrect as mycobacteria are not encapsulated bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sabouraud. Sabouraud agar is specifically designed to promote the growth of fungi due to its low pH and high glucose content. The cream-like colonies indicate fungal growth, as fungi often appear as fluffy or powdery colonies on Sabouraud agar. Lowenstein-Jensen is used for mycobacteria, Roux for diphtheria, and Loeffler for Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Therefore, Sabouraud is the most suitable medium for detecting fungal contamination based on the characteristics of the colonies formed.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lipopolysaccharides. Endotoxins are a type of bacterial toxin found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. They consist of lipid A, which is a lipid component, and polysaccharides, making them lipopolysaccharides. Lipoproteins (choice B) and glycoproteins (choice C) do not accurately describe the chemical structure of endotoxins. "None of the above" (choice D) is incorrect as lipopolysaccharides are indeed the chemical structure of endotoxins.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: All answers are correct. Pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens, including Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Choice C is correct because both A and B are known causative agents of pneumonia. Choice D is incorrect because we know that Legionella pneumophila and Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause pneumonia, so the statement "None of the above" is not accurate in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The pyocyanin released by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pyocyanin is a blue-green pigment produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of nosocomial infections in burn patients. The presence of blue-green pus and gram-negative rods in the wound along with fever suggests an infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The other choices are incorrect because E. Coli typically causes gastrointestinal infections and releases enterotoxins, Staphylococcus aureus releases hemolysins causing hemolysis of red blood cells, and Shigella dysenteriae releases shigatoxin causing bloody diarrhea, none of which match the clinical presentation described in the question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To perform serodiagnostics of tuberculosis. Rationale: The negative reaction to the Mantoux test indicates absence of TB infection. Performing serodiagnostics will further confirm the absence of active infection. This is important to rule out TB before considering vaccination or isolation measures. Summary: A: BCG vaccination is not necessary as the boy shows a negative reaction to the Mantoux test. B: Repeating the test in a month is unnecessary as the initial test already showed a negative reaction. D: Isolating the boy is not warranted as there is no evidence of active TB infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because differential growth media, such as Endo agar and MacConkey agar, contain specific indicators or substrates that allow for the differentiation of microorganisms based on their metabolic properties. For example, Eosin methylene blue agar differentiates between lactose fermenting and non-fermenting bacteria based on color changes. Levine's formulation is selective for Gram-negative bacteria due to bile salts and crystal violet. In contrast, the other choices do not have specific indicators for differentiation among microorganisms. Lowenstein-Jensen and SS agar are selective media for mycobacteria and Salmonella/Shigella species, respectively. ACA and BPLS agar are selective but not differential, and Nutrient agar and Peptone water are general-purpose media without differential properties.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces the neurotoxin responsible for botulism. Clostridium perfringens causes gas gangrene, not botulism. Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are not associated with botulism. Clostridium botulinum is the only bacterium known to produce the toxin causing botulism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium appears as purple-stained diplococci with pointed ends on Gram staining. S. pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia. It is encapsulated and has a lancet-shaped appearance, which is characteristic of the pointed ends seen in the staining. Staphylococcus aureus (B) typically appears as clusters of gram-positive cocci, not diplococci. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) is a gram-negative rod, not a diplococci. Neisseria meningitidis (D) is a gram-negative diplococci but typically lacks the pointed ends seen in the staining of S. pneumoniae.