Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is most common in:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: infants. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is most common in infants because their immune systems are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to Staphylococcus aureus infections. This bacteria produces exotoxins that cause the skin to blister and peel, characteristic of the syndrome. Adolescents, young adults, and the elderly have more mature immune systems, making them less vulnerable to this specific infection. Therefore, infants are at a higher risk for developing Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome compared to other age groups.

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: Correct Answer: C - Immunological tolerance to the pathogen Rationale: 1. Immunological tolerance is when the immune system does not mount a response against specific antigens to prevent autoimmunity. 2. In the context of infection, tolerance to the pathogen means the immune system does not recognize the pathogen as a threat and does not initiate a protective response. 3. This lack of response leaves the host vulnerable to infection as there is no specific immune defense mechanism activated against the pathogen. Summary of incorrect choices: A: Opsonic action of antibody - enhances phagocytosis of pathogens B: Viral neutralization by specific antibody - prevents viral entry into host cells D: Neutralization of protein exotoxin - prevents the harmful effects of toxins produced by pathogens.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: proteins. Enzymes are mostly composed of proteins due to their complex structure and specific amino acid sequences that are essential for their catalytic activity. Proteins have active sites that bind to substrates and facilitate chemical reactions. Lipids (B), nucleic acids (C), and carbohydrates (D) do not possess the necessary properties and structures to function as enzymes. Lipids serve as energy storage molecules and cell membrane components, nucleic acids store genetic information, and carbohydrates are primarily used for energy production.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because antibody diversity is generated by rearrangements of DNA encoding variable regions of heavy and light chains (choice A) and by the combination of different heavy and light chains that form the antigen binding site (choice B). Step 1: DNA rearrangements create different variable regions in heavy and light chains. Step 2: Combination of different heavy and light chains leads to unique antigen binding sites. Step 3: This diversity allows antibodies to bind to different epitopes on the same antigen. Step 4: Choice C is incorrect as antibodies do not physically change shape to bind different epitopes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the main factor in the pathogenicity of diphtheria is the exotoxin produced by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This exotoxin inhibits protein synthesis in host cells, leading to tissue damage and the characteristic symptoms of diphtheria. A: The metachromatic bodies of Ernst-Babes are not the main factor in diphtheria pathogenicity. B: While endotoxins can contribute to the pathogenicity of some bacteria, in diphtheria, the main factor is the exotoxin. D: This is incorrect as the main factor in diphtheria pathogenicity is the exotoxin.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: peritrichous. Peritrichous bacteria have flagella distributed all over the cell surface, providing motility in various directions. This allows them to move efficiently through their environment. Option A and D, lophotrichous, have flagella clustered at one or both ends of the cell, limiting movement to specific directions. Option B, amphitrichous, have flagella at both ends of the cell, also limiting movement compared to peritrichous bacteria. Therefore, peritrichous is the correct choice for bacteria with flagella distributed over the general cell surface.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. Rationale: 1. Gram-positive cocci in chains: S. pyogenes is a Gram-positive cocci in chains. 2. Catalase-negative: S. pyogenes is catalase-negative. 3. Beta-hemolytic: S. pyogenes exhibits beta-hemolysis. Summary of other choices: B: Streptococcus pneumoniae is alpha-hemolytic and optochin-sensitive. C: Enterococcus faecalis is catalase-negative, but not typically beta-hemolytic. D: Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive and coagulase-positive.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. E. coli is a Gram-negative rod that typically has a greenish hue on MacConkey agar due to its ability to ferment lactose, producing acid that changes the pH indicator to green. E. coli is a common cause of diarrhea, particularly in cases of traveler's diarrhea. Salmonella (B), Shigella (C), and Klebsiella (D) are also Gram-negative rods but do not typically show a greenish hue on MacConkey agar and are less commonly associated with causing diarrhea compared to E. coli.