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 capsule formation in bacteria. Capsules are protective layers around bacteria that can be visualized using this staining method. Capsules are important virulence factors for pathogens like Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. This technique helps in differentiating encapsulated bacteria from non-encapsulated ones. Spore formation (B), acid resistance (C), and alkali resistance (D) are not properties that can be identified using the Burri-Gins technique, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tuberculosis and mycobacterioses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, and other mycobacteria can survive in the soil for extended periods. Here's the rationale: 1. Mycobacteria have a waxy cell wall that provides resistance to harsh environmental conditions. 2. The slow growth rate of mycobacteria allows them to persist in the soil for long periods. 3. Tuberculosis and mycobacterioses are known to be transmitted through environmental exposure, including soil. 4. Colibacillosis and cholera (Choice C) are caused by enteric bacteria that do not survive well in soil. 5. Leptospirosis and plague (Choice D) are bacterial diseases transmitted through animal hosts and are not known to be soil-borne.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Biological test, bacteriological. Botulism is caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. To diagnose botulism, biological tests such as detecting the toxin in patient samples and bacteriological tests to identify the bacteria are crucial. These tests confirm the presence of the bacteria and its toxin, providing a definitive diagnosis. Choice A is incorrect as it does not specify any relevant diagnostic methods. Choice B is incorrect because mycological tests are not relevant for diagnosing botulism caused by a bacterial toxin. Choice D is incorrect as allergic tests and serological tests are not used for diagnosing botulism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pertussis bacillus. The symptoms described - elevated temperature and typical cough - are indicative of whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis. By inoculating mucus from the nasopharynx on agar, the doctor is trying to isolate the causative agent, which is likely to be Pertussis bacillus. Summary of other choices: B: Pfeiffer's bacillus (Haemophilus influenzae): Unlikely as symptoms do not match. C: Listeria: Unlikely as it typically causes foodborne illness, not respiratory infections. D: Klebsiella: Unlikely as it is more commonly associated with pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Syphilis. Hutchinson's triad is a classic presentation of congenital syphilis. Barrel-shaped teeth, parenchymatous keratitis, and deafness are hallmark signs. These occur due to infection of the fetus by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Syphilis can lead to various systemic manifestations, including skeletal abnormalities, skin lesions, and neurological complications. Opisthorchiasis, Toxoplasmosis, and Tuberculosis do not typically present with the specific triad described in the question. Opisthorchiasis is a parasitic infection, Toxoplasmosis is caused by a protozoan, and Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.