The laboratory for especially dangerous infections conducts microscopic examination of pathological material from a patient with suspected plague. The sample was stained by Burri-Gins technique. What property of the causative agent can be identified by this technique?

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: 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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Polar placement of volutin granules. This feature is indicative of Corynebacterium diphtheria. Volutin granules are metachromatic granules found in the polar region of the bacterial cell, which is characteristic of this species. This feature helps differentiate it from other bacteria. Explanation: A: Fence-like position of the agent's cells is not a specific morphologic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheria. B: Spores that exceed cells in diameter is not a characteristic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheria. D: Presence of the capsule is not a distinguishing morphologic feature of Corynebacterium diphtheria. In summary, the polar placement of volutin granules is the most indicative feature for determining the type of agent as Corynebacterium diphtheria, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Capsule. The capsule is a mucous structure tightly bound to the bacterial cell wall. It helps bacteria evade the host immune system and provides protection. The other choices are incorrect because: B) Spores are resistant structures formed by some bacteria for survival, C) Flagella are long, whip-like structures for movement, and D) Filaments are long, thin structures found in some bacteria.