There are __________ known forms of gastroenteritis caused by Escherichia coli.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: five. Escherichia coli can cause enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), and diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC). Each form has distinct characteristics and pathogenesis. Therefore, the other choices (A, B, C) are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the number of known forms of gastroenteritis caused by Escherichia coli.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium is important for controlling air quality as it can degrade a wide range of organic compounds present in the air, helping to maintain a clean and healthy environment. Alpha and beta-hemolytic streptococci (Choice A) are not typically associated with air quality control. E. coli (Choice C) and Salmonella spp. (Choice D) are more commonly found in water and food sources, not air, making them incorrect choices for this question. Pseudomonas aeruginosa's ability to break down organic matter in the air makes it the most suitable option for maintaining sanitary air quality.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin causing severe diarrhea. 2. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not diarrhea. 3. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, not diarrhea. 4. Shigella dysenteriae causes dysentery, not typical diarrhea. Summary: A: Incorrect, causes tetanus. B: Incorrect, causes botulism. C: Correct, produces cholera toxin causing severe diarrhea. D: Incorrect, causes dysentery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is the most likely causative agent of gastric ulcers. Here's the rationale: 1. Helicobacter pylori is commonly associated with gastric ulcers. 2. It is a gram-negative bacterium that grows on chocolate agar and is oxide reductase-positive. 3. The slow growth on the fifth day is characteristic of H. pylori. 4. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter fetus are not typically associated with gastric ulcers. 5. Mycoplasma hominis is a bacterium that lacks a cell wall and is not commonly found in gastric ulcers.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above." Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, Salmonella enterica causes salmonellosis, and Escherichia coli can cause foodborne illnesses such as E. coli infection. All three bacteria are associated with foodborne illnesses due to contamination of food or water sources. Therefore, selecting "All of the above" is the most appropriate choice as it includes all the bacteria commonly linked to foodborne illnesses. The other choices (A, B, and C) are incorrect because they do not encompass all the bacteria associated with foodborne illnesses as stated above.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Capsule. Capsules are a protective layer outside the bacterial cell wall that helps bacteria evade phagocytosis by immune cells. The capsule inhibits phagocytic cells from engulfing the bacteria, making it difficult for them to be recognized and destroyed. A: Flagella - Flagella are not involved in protecting bacteria from phagocytosis. They are responsible for bacterial movement. C: Endospore - Endospores are dormant, resistant structures formed by some bacteria in response to harsh conditions. They do not directly protect against phagocytosis. D: Pili - Pili are hair-like structures used for adhesion and conjugation, not for protection against phagocytosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is because Pseudomonas is a Gram-negative rod, oxidase-positive, and non-lactose fermenter. These characteristics are typical of Pseudomonas species. B: Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative rod but is lactose fermenter and usually oxidase-negative. C: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative rod, non-lactose fermenter, but is usually oxidase-negative. D: Shigella dysenteriae is a Gram-negative rod, non-lactose fermenter, but is usually oxidase-negative and is more associated with causing shigellosis rather than deep tissue infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: germination. In the lytic life cycle of phages, germination is not a stage. The lytic cycle involves adsorption, penetration, replication, assembly, and lysis. Germination is typically associated with the lysogenic cycle, where the phage DNA integrates into the host genome. Therefore, A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are all stages of the lytic cycle. Penetration refers to the injection of phage DNA into the host cell, adsorption is the attachment of the phage to the host cell, and lysis is the final stage where the host cell bursts, releasing new phages.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Salmonella. This bacterium should be handled in a Biosafety Level 2 facility due to its potential to cause disease in humans. Salmonella is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause foodborne illnesses and infections. Handling it in a Biosafety Level 2 facility ensures proper containment and protection of personnel. A: Micrococcus luteus and B: Bacillus subtilis are common environmental bacteria that do not pose significant risks to human health, so they can be safely handled in lower biosafety levels. D: Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common skin commensal bacterium that is generally not considered highly pathogenic, so it does not require Biosafety Level 2 containment.