What drug is more advisable for the patient with amebic dysentery?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Metronidazole. Metronidazole is the drug of choice for amebic dysentery as it effectively targets the protozoa causing the infection. It has good tissue penetration and high efficacy against Entamoeba histolytica. Pyrantel (B) is used for nematode infections, not amebiasis. Levamisole (C) is an anthelmintic for roundworms and not effective against amoebas. Bicillin-5 (D) is a penicillin antibiotic, which is not indicated for treating amebic dysentery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Decontamination is the reduction or removal of unwanted chemical or biological agents to make an area safe. This includes cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing to eliminate harmful substances. Choice A is incorrect as decontamination doesn't necessarily involve killing all microorganisms. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on stopping growth, not removing existing contaminants. Choice D is incorrect as it specifically mentions vegetative organisms, which may not cover all types of contaminants that need to be removed during decontamination. Thus, the correct answer is B as it accurately describes the process of decontamination.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is known as a common cause of hospital-acquired infections due to its ability to colonize the skin and mucous membranes of healthcare workers and patients. Staphylococcus aureus can cause various infections, including surgical site infections and bloodstream infections, in healthcare settings. Rationale: 1. Clostridium botulinum is known for causing foodborne botulism, not hospital-acquired infections. 2. Treponema pallidum causes syphilis, which is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, not hospital settings. 3. Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy, which is not commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections. In summary, Staphylococcus aureus is the correct answer as it is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections due to its prevalence in healthcare environments, unlike the other choices which are not typically associated with hospital-acquired infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 3.5 to 4.0 billion years. Prokaryotic fossils date back to around 3.5 to 4.0 billion years ago, based on scientific evidence. This timeframe aligns with the earliest known evidence of life on Earth. Choices A, C, and D have incorrect timelines that do not correspond to the established age range of prokaryotic fossils. Choice A is too broad and includes a range that extends beyond the known fossil record. Choices C and D have much younger timelines, which do not match the historical evidence of prokaryotic life dating back billions of years.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: phase-contrast microscope. This type of microscope is ideal for observing living microorganisms because it enhances the contrast of transparent specimens without the need for staining or fixing, allowing for clear visualization of internal structures and movements. Bright-field microscopes (A) are suitable for observing fixed and stained specimens, not living organisms. Fluorescence microscopes (C) are used to detect specific cellular components tagged with fluorescent markers, not ideal for observing overall morphology. Electron microscopes (D) use electron beams and are best for viewing detailed structures at high magnification, but are not suitable for observing living organisms due to the need for vacuum conditions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Helicobacter pylori is known for producing urease enzyme to neutralize stomach acid. 2. Urease enzyme converts urea into ammonia, buffering the acidic pH. 3. This adaptation allows H. pylori to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach. 4. Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Shigella flexneri do not produce urease. 5. Therefore, C is the correct answer based on the unique urease-producing capability of H. pylori.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Rickettsiae are obligate intracellular bacteria, hence they do not form spores, capsules, or flagella. 2. They have a slim glycocalyx layer, aiding in attachment to host cells. 3. Bipolar fimbriae are structures that help in adhesion to host cells. Therefore, all statements (A, B, and C) are true for Rickettsiae, making option D the correct answer. Other choices are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the characteristics of Rickettsiae.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction where a single organism divides into two equal parts. Bacteria reproduce through binary fission, splitting into two identical daughter cells. Viruses are not considered living organisms and reproduce by infecting host cells. Fungi reproduce through spores or sexual reproduction. Helminths are parasitic worms that reproduce sexually. Therefore, the correct answer is B, bacteria, as they specifically utilize binary fission for reproduction.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: sterols. Eukaryotic cytoplasmic membranes contain sterols, such as cholesterol, which provide stability and regulate fluidity. This is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from prokaryotic membranes. Cellulose (A) is a component of plant cell walls, not the cytoplasmic membrane. Starch (B) is a carbohydrate used for energy storage in plants. Chitin (C) is a component of fungal cell walls and arthropod exoskeletons, not found in eukaryotic cytoplasmic membranes.