The most common causative agents of bacterial meningitis are:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae are the most common causative agents of bacterial meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause in adults, Neisseria meningitidis is common in adolescents and young adults, and Haemophilus influenzae is more frequent in children. The other choices, Rubella virus (C) and Herpangina (D), are not bacterial agents known to cause meningitis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Tuberculosis, Q-fever, and Legionnaires disease all can infect the respiratory tract. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs, Q-fever is caused by a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs, and Legionnaires disease is a severe form of pneumonia. All three diseases specifically target the respiratory system, making them the correct choices. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of them individually infects the respiratory tract, not just one or two of them.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because F pili are proteins on the F+ donor cell that are attached to specific receptors on the recipient cell's cell wall. This is essential for the transfer of genetic material during conjugation. Choice A is incorrect because F pili are not made up of nucleotides, but rather proteins. Choice B is incorrect because F pili are not transferred to the recipient cell itself, but they facilitate the transfer of genetic material. Choice D is incorrect because F pili are not part of the recipient cell, but rather part of the donor cell for attachment to the recipient cell.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: halophiles. Halophiles are bacteria that thrive in high salt concentrations due to their ability to regulate osmotic pressure. They have adapted mechanisms to survive in such extreme environments. Option A, acidophiles, thrive in acidic conditions, not high salt concentrations. Option B, thermophiles, thrive in high temperature environments. Option D, mesophiles, thrive in moderate temperature conditions, not necessarily high salt concentrations. Therefore, the correct choice is C as it specifically refers to bacteria that thrive in high salt concentrations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: adolescents. Infectious mononucleosis is commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which is transmitted through saliva. Adolescents are more likely to engage in activities like kissing and sharing drinks, increasing the chances of virus transmission. Infants have maternal antibodies for protection, young adults may have developed immunity, and the elderly have had more exposure to the virus and may have built immunity over time.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin). BCG is the vaccine used for tuberculosis prevention, not only for newborns but also for older children and adults. BCG helps in protecting against severe forms of tuberculosis in infants. Diphteria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine (choice B) is for protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, not tuberculosis. Diphtheria and tetanus anatoxin vaccine (choice C) provides protection against diphtheria and tetanus, not tuberculosis. Adsorbed diphtheria vaccine (choice D) is specifically for diphtheria, not tuberculosis. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it is the only vaccine related to tuberculosis prevention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct staining technique for sputum smears obtained from a tuberculosis patient is Ziehl-Neelsen staining. This technique uses carbol fuchsin dye to stain the acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, red. Here's a step-by-step rationale: 1. Ziehl-Neelsen staining is specifically designed to detect acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 2. Carbol fuchsin dye is used to penetrate the mycolic acid layer in the cell wall of the bacteria, making them resistant to decolorization. 3. Acid-alcohol is used as a decolorizer to remove the stain from non-acid-fast bacteria. 4. Methylene blue is used as a counterstain to visualize non-acid-fast bacteria in blue. Therefore, Ziehl-Neelsen staining is the most appropriate technique for identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum smears. Other choices like Gram, Giemsa, and

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: flagella. Flagella are whip-like structures that move fluid, mucus, or cells over the surface of a cell. They are longer and fewer in number compared to cilia, which are shorter and more numerous. Fimbriae are small, bristle-like structures that help bacteria attach to surfaces but do not move fluid. Microvilli are tiny projections that increase the surface area for absorption but do not have a role in moving fluid or cells. Therefore, flagella is the correct answer as it specifically fits the function described in the question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to produce a blue-green pigment called pyocyanin, which is characteristic of the organism. Additionally, it has a distinct fruity odor due to the production of certain volatile compounds. Escherichia coli (B) does not produce blue-green pigment or have a fruity odor. Klebsiella pneumoniae (C) and Proteus mirabilis (D) also do not exhibit these specific characteristics associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.