The most important virulence factor of Bordetella pertussis is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: pertussis toxin. This toxin is the most important virulence factor of Bordetella pertussis because it plays a key role in causing the characteristic symptoms of whooping cough. Pertussis toxin interferes with the host's immune response, leading to inflammation and tissue damage in the respiratory tract. The other choices (A: the flagellum, C: P fimbriae, D: mannose-resistant adhesins) are important for bacterial attachment and colonization, but they do not directly contribute to the severity of the disease like pertussis toxin does.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: cell wall. Lysozyme is an enzyme that targets the cell wall of bacteria by breaking down the peptidoglycan layer, leading to bacterial cell lysis. This action disrupts the structural integrity of the bacteria, ultimately causing their death. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because lysozyme does not target the cytoplasm, nucleus, or capsule of bacteria. The primary function of lysozyme is to act on the cell wall, making option B the correct answer in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa all produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock. Endotoxins are part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and can trigger a systemic inflammatory response if released into the bloodstream. E. coli and Salmonella are common causes of bacterial infections that can lead to septic shock, while P. aeruginosa is a known opportunistic pathogen that can produce endotoxins. Therefore, all three bacteria can cause septic shock by releasing endotoxins. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these bacteria individually can produce endotoxins that contribute to the development of septic shock.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Marburg virus and Ebola virus belong to the Filoviridae family. These viruses are characterized by their filamentous shape and are known to cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. Both viruses have caused outbreaks with high mortality rates. Choice A (Lassa virus and lymphocytic choriomeningitis viruses) are not part of the Filoviridae family. They belong to the Arenaviridae family, which also includes viruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers. Choice B (Chikungunya virus and Sindbis virus) are arboviruses belonging to the Togaviridae family, which are not related to the Filoviridae family. Choice D (Crimean-Congo virus and Hantaan virus) are part of the Nairoviridae and Hantaviridae families, respectively, and not the Filoviridae family.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spores. The Ozheshko method is used to stain spores, which are resistant structures produced by certain bacterial species. By studying the smear of streptobacillus preparation under oil immersion, one can observe the presence of spores as distinct, oval bodies within the bacteria. Spores are important for bacterial survival in harsh conditions. Summary: B: Capsules are not typically stained using the Ozheshko method. Capsules are usually visualized using negative staining techniques. C: Flagella are not stained by the Ozheshko method. Flagella are visualized using special staining techniques like the flagella stain. D: Inclusions are not specifically stained by the Ozheshko method. Inclusions are often observed using techniques that highlight cellular structures or components.