Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Step 2: Mycobacterium tuberculosis can lead to tuberculosis, which can manifest as pulmonary tuberculosis. Step 3: Escherichia coli is not typically associated with causing pneumonia. Step 4: Since Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are linked to pneumonia, and Escherichia coli is not, the correct answer is D - All of the above.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Escherichia coli. On Endo agar, lactose-fermenting bacteria produce red colonies due to acid production. Escherichersia coli is a lactose-fermenting, gram-negative bacillus commonly found in the intestines. Salmonella and Shigella are lactose-negative and do not produce red colonies on Endo agar. Proteus is also lactose-negative and doesn't typically grow on Endo agar. Therefore, based on the lactose fermentation and colony color, Escherichia coli is the most likely microorganism present in the fecal sample.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: I apologize for the confusion, but the correct answer to the question is actually A: microtubules. Microtubules are indeed shaped like hollow cylinders made out of tubulin proteins. They play a crucial role in cell structure, cell division, and intracellular transport. Microfilaments (choice B) are composed of actin proteins and are not shaped like hollow cylinders. Intermediate filaments (choice C) are more rope-like in structure and are made up of various proteins. Flagella (choice D) are whip-like structures used for cell movement and are not shaped like hollow cylinders.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer D is correct: 1. Tetanus exotoxins are produced by Clostridium tetani bacteria. 2. Once formed, the exotoxins can spread through the bloodstream. 3. Retrograde axonal transport allows the exotoxins to travel to the central nervous system (CNS). 4. In the CNS, the exotoxins can cause the symptoms of tetanus. 5. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as tetanus exotoxins do not follow those pathways. In summary, option D is correct as tetanus exotoxins can spread through the blood and reach the CNS via retrograde axonal transport, while the other options do not align with the known pathophysiology of tetanus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pertussis bacillus. The symptoms described - elevated temperature and typical cough - are indicative of whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis. By inoculating mucus from the nasopharynx on agar, the doctor is trying to isolate the causative agent, which is likely to be Pertussis bacillus. Summary of other choices: B: Pfeiffer's bacillus (Haemophilus influenzae): Unlikely as symptoms do not match. C: Listeria: Unlikely as it typically causes foodborne illness, not respiratory infections. D: Klebsiella: Unlikely as it is more commonly associated with pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals.