Variola virus of the orthopoxvirus family causes the acute, highly contagious disease:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: I'm sorry, but there seems to be a mistake in the question provided. The correct answer should be A: smallpox. Variola virus indeed causes smallpox, not jock itch. Smallpox is a highly contagious disease characterized by fever and rash, while jock itch, ringworm, and shingles are caused by different pathogens and have distinct symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Vaginitis is often caused by an imbalance in vaginal flora. Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance, leading to overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast. Pregnancy alters hormone levels, making the vagina more susceptible to infection. Menopause decreases estrogen levels, thinning the vaginal walls and reducing beneficial bacteria. A: Urinary blockage does not directly relate to vaginitis. Drug use and stress may weaken the immune system but are not direct causes of vaginitis. C: Puberty, HPV exposure, and smoking/tobacco use do not directly increase the chances of vaginitis. HPV is a viral infection, not a direct cause of vaginitis. D: While menopause can increase the risk of vaginitis due to hormonal changes, stress and steroid use are not primary factors in developing vaginitis.

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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA is the compound that combines with oxaloacetic acid at the beginning of the Krebs cycle to form citric acid. This step is essential for the cycle to proceed, making acetyl-CoA the correct choice. A: Citric acid is formed after acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetic acid, so it is a product of the reaction, not the compound that enters the cycle. B: Pyruvic acid is converted to acetyl-CoA in a separate process before entering the Krebs cycle. D: Phosphoglyceraldehyde is not involved in the Krebs cycle; it is a compound in glycolysis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (A: Epstein-Barr virus): 1. Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the Herpesviridae family, known for causing infectious mononucleosis. 2. Members of Herpesviridae have double-stranded DNA genomes and enveloped virions. 3. They establish latent infections in host cells and can reactivate periodically. 4. Poxvirus (B) belongs to the Poxviridae family, not Herpesviridae. 5. SARS (C) is caused by a coronavirus, not a herpesvirus. 6. HIV (D) belongs to the Retroviridae family, not Herpesviridae. Summary: The correct answer is A because Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the Herpesviridae family, exhibiting specific characteristics distinct from the other choices.