Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the catarrhal stage of whooping cough is characterized by mild respiratory symptoms such as mild coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose. During this stage, the cough may start to worsen but is not yet severe. A: Incorrect - Decrease in paroxysms of coughing is not seen in the catarrhal stage; it occurs later in the paroxysmal stage. B: Incorrect - Subsequent respiratory infection for many months after the onset of pertussis is not a characteristic of the catarrhal stage. C: Incorrect - Uncontrollable coughing followed by a high pitched 'whoop' sound is typical of the paroxysmal stage, not the catarrhal stage.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium plays a key role in acne formation by colonizing hair follicles, leading to inflammation and acne lesions. It produces fatty acids that contribute to the development of acne. Staphylococcus aureus (A) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (B) are not directly linked to acne. Streptococcus pyogenes (C) is associated with skin infections but not acne. In summary, Propionibacterium acnes is the primary bacterium responsible for acne due to its ability to induce inflammation and follicular blockages.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because nosocomial infections can be transmitted through various routes, including air droplets, fecal-oral mechanism, contact mechanism, and parenteral mechanism. Air droplets can carry infectious agents through the air, while contact with contaminated surfaces or individuals can spread infections. Fecal-oral transmission occurs through ingesting contaminated food or water. Parenteral transmission involves the introduction of pathogens directly into the bloodstream. Therefore, all the options listed in D are correct routes for transmission of nosocomial infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not encompass all possible routes of transmission for nosocomial infections.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thermophiles. Thermophiles are bacteria that thrive in high temperatures, typically between 45-80 degrees Celsius. They have adapted to extreme heat environments and have enzymes that function optimally at high temperatures. Mesophiles (A) grow best at moderate temperatures, Psychrophiles (B) thrive in cold temperatures, and Halophiles (D) thrive in high salt concentrations. Therefore, only Thermophiles are specifically adapted to high temperatures, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: rectum. Pinworms typically inhabit the rectum area in humans, where they lay their eggs. This is because the female pinworm migrates to the rectum at night to deposit her eggs near the anus. Other choices are incorrect because pinworms do not reside in the duodenum (A), ileum (B), or transverse colon (C) as their primary location is in the lower gastrointestinal tract near the anus.