What is the primary purpose of a bacterial capsule?

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Question 1 of 9

What is the primary purpose of a bacterial capsule?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Enhancing virulence by preventing phagocytosis. Bacterial capsules help bacteria evade the immune system by preventing phagocytosis, a process where immune cells engulf and destroy pathogens. This enhances the bacteria's virulence and ability to cause infections. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because bacterial capsules do not directly contribute to protein synthesis, protect against desiccation, or facilitate motility.

Question 2 of 9

Group II category diseases as established by the NIAID include:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: reemerging diseases. Group II category diseases by the NIAID are those that have reemerged or have the potential to reemerge. This classification helps prioritize research and resources. Choice A is incorrect because new foodborne pathogens fall under different categories. Choice B is incorrect as eradicated diseases are not part of the reemerging group. Choice C is incorrect because bioterrorism agents are classified separately. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it aligns with the purpose of Group II category diseases.

Question 3 of 9

Bacterial replication is accomplished primarily by:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Binary fission is the correct answer for bacterial replication because it is the process by which bacteria divide into two identical daughter cells. During binary fission, the bacterial cell replicates its DNA, forms a septum dividing the cell into two, and eventually splits into two daughter cells. This process is specific to prokaryotic cells such as bacteria and is different from mitosis and meiosis, which are processes specific to eukaryotic cells. Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, but it is not the primary mechanism of bacterial replication.

Question 4 of 9

What are actinomycotic granules:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Actinomycotic granules are colonies of actinomycetes located in purulent secretions. Step 2: Actinomycosis is a disease caused by actinomycetes forming these granules. Step 3: Actinomycotic granules are typically found in tissue exudates or pus. Step 4: Therefore, choice C is correct as it accurately describes actinomycotic granules. Summary: Choice A is incorrect because actinomycotic granules are not a form of actinomycosis itself, but a characteristic of the disease. Choice B is incorrect as actinomycotic granules are not an additional outer membrane but rather colonies of actinomycetes. Choice D is incorrect as actinomycotic granules are not intracellular inclusions but extracellular colonies found in purulent secretions.

Question 5 of 9

What is the name of the enzyme that allows the bacteria to become resistant to most penicillins?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Beta lactamase. This enzyme is produced by bacteria to break down the beta-lactam ring structure of penicillins, rendering them ineffective. Beta lactam ring (A) is part of the penicillin molecule, not an enzyme. MRSA (B) stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, not an enzyme. Aminoglycoside ring (D) refers to a different class of antibiotics and is not related to penicillin resistance in bacteria.

Question 6 of 9

A man uses dentures. The dentist has noticed mucosal lecions with a white coating in his oral cavity. Microscopy of the coating detected large oval Gram-positive cells. What microorganisms have caused stomatitis in the patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Yeast-like fungi of Candida genus. Candida is a common cause of oral thrush/stomatitis, characterized by mucosal lesions with white coating. The presence of large oval Gram-positive cells is indicative of Candida species. Actinomycetes (B) are filamentous bacteria and not oval Gram-positive cells. Streptococci (C) are spherical bacteria, not oval, and are not commonly associated with stomatitis. Oral spirochetes (D) are spiral-shaped bacteria and not oval Gram-positive cells typically seen in Candida infections. Thus, A is the correct choice based on the characteristic morphology and clinical presentation.

Question 7 of 9

A patient who suffered form syphilis took a course of antibiotic therapy and fully recovered. Some time later he was infected again with Treponema pallidum. What form of infection is it?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reinfection. This is because the patient fully recovered from the initial syphilis infection after antibiotic therapy, indicating the elimination of the pathogen. Subsequently getting infected again with Treponema pallidum suggests a new exposure to the same pathogen, resulting in a new infection. Recurrence (B) would imply the reactivation of the same infection, which is not the case here. Superinfection (C) refers to a new infection that occurs on top of an existing infection, which is not the scenario described. Secondary infection (D) typically refers to an infection that occurs after an initial infection weakens the immune system, which is not the case in this scenario.

Question 8 of 9

A specimen stained by Ozheshko method contains rod-like microorganisms stained blue with round terminal components stained red. What are these components called?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spores. In the Ozheshko staining method, spores appear blue with red terminal components. Spores are reproductive structures produced by some bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Cilia are short, hair-like structures used for movement. Flagella are long, whip-like structures also used for movement. Capsules are outer protective layers surrounding some bacteria. In this case, the description of rod-like microorganisms with blue staining and red terminal components aligns with the characteristics of spores, making it the correct answer.

Question 9 of 9

Which of the following bacteria can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are all known to cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) in humans. E. coli is the most common cause of UTIs, accounting for about 80-85% of cases. S. enterica and P. aeruginosa are less common but can still infect the urinary tract under certain circumstances. Therefore, all three bacteria can potentially cause UTIs, making option D the correct choice. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not cover the full range of bacteria known to cause UTIs.

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