The bacterial component targeted by penicillin is:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cell wall. Penicillin targets the cell wall of bacteria by inhibiting the formation of peptidoglycan, a crucial component of the cell wall. This weakens the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis. Choice A (DNA) is incorrect because penicillin does not directly target DNA. Choice B (Plasma membrane) is incorrect as penicillin primarily affects the cell wall, not the plasma membrane. Choice D (Ribosomes) is incorrect because penicillin does not target bacterial ribosomes, which are involved in protein synthesis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is the most likely causative agent for pneumonia in this case due to the presence of Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule, which is a typical characteristic of S. pneumoniae. This pathogen is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and is known for its encapsulated morphology. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is a Gram-positive cocci but does not typically present in pairs with a capsule in pneumonia cases. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) is a Gram-negative bacterium and does not match the description provided. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (D) is a Gram-negative bacterium that is not typically associated with Gram-positive cocci in pneumonia samples.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. The presence of cysts with four nuclei is characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite causing amoebic dysentery. It forms cysts with four nuclei before maturing into trophozoites. Balantidium coli (B) is a ciliated protozoan causing balantidiasis, not known for four-nuclei cysts. Giardia lamblia (C) forms cysts with two nuclei, causing giardiasis. Trichomonas hominis (D) is a non-pathogenic flagellate found in the human colon, not associated with four-nuclei cysts.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The likely diagnosis is Meningococcal meningitis (Choice A) due to the presence of Gram-negative diplococci in the cerebrospinal fluid. Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus commonly associated with meningococcal meningitis. Fever, chills, and neck stiffness are classic symptoms of bacterial meningitis, and Neisseria meningitidis often presents with these symptoms. Pneumococcal meningitis (Choice B) is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a Gram-positive organism. Haemophilus influenzae (Choice C) is also a Gram-negative organism but typically presents with a different clinical picture. Listeria monocytogenes (Choice D) is a Gram-positive rod and is more commonly associated with meningitis in neonates, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Klebsiella pneumoniae. This bacterium is commonly associated with pneumonia in elderly patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium that frequently causes pneumonia in individuals with underlying health conditions. It is known for its ability to produce a distinctive mucoid capsule. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (B) is more commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Escherichia coli (C) is a common cause of urinary tract infections but is less likely in this case due to the symptoms and sputum sample results. Haemophilus influenzae (D) is another common respiratory pathogen, but in this scenario, Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most likely causative agent based on the patient's age, symptoms, and the characteristics of the bacteria described in the sputum sample.