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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) as all three bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Neisseria meningitidis) produce endotoxins causing fever and shock. Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and can trigger an immune response leading to fever and shock. Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are common causes of food poisoning and sepsis, while Neisseria meningitidis is responsible for meningococcal meningitis and septicemia. Therefore, all three choices are correct in producing endotoxins that can cause fever and shock.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because enveloped viruses have a lipid bilayer envelope derived from the host cell membrane, which is a complex structure, not exhibiting any specific symmetry. Choice A (cubic symmetry) is incorrect as enveloped viruses do not have any specific geometric shape. Choice B (spiral symmetry) is incorrect as this type of symmetry is typically seen in non-enveloped viruses like helical viruses. Choice C (complex symmetry) is also incorrect as enveloped viruses do not exhibit a specific symmetrical pattern. Therefore, the correct answer is D because enveloped viruses do not have a defined symmetry and can vary in shape and structure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peroxidase and catalase. Peroxidase and catalase are enzymes that break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Peroxidase helps in breaking down low levels of hydrogen peroxide, while catalase is crucial for breaking down high levels of hydrogen peroxide efficiently. This process is important for organisms to prevent damage from reactive oxygen species. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Oxygenase and hydroxylase are enzymes involved in different biochemical reactions and do not break down hydrogen peroxide. C: Cytochrome oxidase and cytochrome B5 are involved in electron transport chain reactions and not in breaking down hydrogen peroxide. D: Oxygenase and catalase are not correct as oxygenase is not involved in hydrogen peroxide breakdown, only catalase is.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Leishmaniasis. The description of thin microorganisms with 12-14 uniform tendrils, 10-13 micrometers in length, and pale pink color matches the characteristics of Leishmania parasites seen in Giemsa-stained samples. Leishmania parasites are known to have a distinctive appearance with pointed tips and a specific size range. Syphilis (choice A) is caused by Treponema pallidum, which appears as tightly coiled spirochetes, not tendrils. Trypanosomiasis (choice B) is caused by Trypanosoma parasites, which have a different morphology and staining pattern. Relapsing fever (choice D) is caused by Borrelia recurrentis, which does not match the description given. Therefore, the correct choice is C as the description aligns closely with the characteristic features of Leishmania parasites.