The proteins implicated in spongiform encephalopathy are __________.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prions. Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause spongiform encephalopathy by inducing normal proteins to misfold as well. Prions lack genetic material, distinguishing them from viruses (B), bacteria (C), and fungi (D), which all contain genetic material and cannot directly cause spongiform encephalopathy through protein misfolding.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Passive immunity is the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from one individual to another, providing immediate protection. This process does not involve the recipient's immune response, hence it is called passive. Active immunity, on the other hand, involves the individual's immune system producing its own antibodies after exposure to an antigen. Innate immunity refers to the body's natural defense mechanisms present from birth, not involving antibodies. Therefore, the correct answer is A: passive immunity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because antigenic drift is not caused by the exchange of genetic information between animal and human influenza viruses. Antigenic drift is actually due to point mutations in the genes that encode for the surface proteins of the virus, leading to small changes in the antigens. These mutations can affect the hemagglutinin of both type A and B influenza viruses, making choices A and C correct. Choice D is incorrect because antigenic drift can occur in both type A and B influenza viruses, with type B being less prone to drift compared to type A.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: A: Early application of gentamicin is not recommended as a specific treatment for C. difficile-associated post antibiotic diarrhea because it does not have efficacy against C. difficile. B: Metronidazole is recommended as first-line treatment for mild to moderate C. difficile infection. C: Stopping antibiotic treatment and observing the clinical response for 48 hours is not a recommended strategy as prompt treatment is crucial in C. difficile infection. D: Vancomycin per os is an appropriate treatment for severe C. difficile infection. In summary, A is incorrect because gentamicin is not effective against C. difficile, while B, C, and D are potential treatment strategies based on severity of the infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood agar. Pneumococci are fastidious bacteria that require enriched media for cultivation. Blood agar provides essential nutrients and growth factors needed for the growth of pneumococci. It contains sheep blood, which provides hemin and NAD, supporting the growth of these bacteria. Kligler iron agar (A) is used for differentiating enteric bacteria based on glucose and lactose fermentation. Apocholate citrate agar (C) is used for the selective isolation of Escherichia coli. Peptone water (D) is a non-selective medium used for the initial cultivation of microorganisms.