Which bacteria is associated with the formation of dental caries (cavities)?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium is associated with the formation of dental caries due to its ability to metabolize sugars and produce acids that demineralize tooth enamel. Streptococcus pneumoniae (choice A) is not typically associated with dental caries. Bacillus anthracis (choice C) causes anthrax, not dental caries. Clostridium botulinum (choice D) causes botulism, not dental caries. Streptococcus mutans' unique characteristics make it the correct choice for the bacteria associated with dental caries.

Correct Answer:

Rationale: Correct Answer: C: opportunists Rationale: 1. Opportunistic microorganisms cause infections only when the host's immune system is compromised. 2. They are typically harmless in healthy individuals but can become pathogenic in weakened hosts. 3. Saprophytic microorganisms are environmental decomposers, not inherently pathogenic. 4. Facultative pathogens can cause disease in both healthy and compromised hosts. 5. Obligate pathogens always cause disease regardless of the host's condition. Summary: A: Facultative pathogens can cause disease in healthy hosts. B: Saprophytes are not inherently pathogenic. D: Obligate pathogens always cause disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidium coli. Balantidium coli is a large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus, commonly found in the feces of individuals with dysentery symptoms. Its morphology matches the description given in the question, making it the most likely causative agent. Summary of other choices: B: Entamoeba histolytica - This is not the correct answer because Entamoeba histolytica is a small amoeba with no cilia and a different nucleus shape. C: Giardia lamblia - This is not the correct answer as Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoa with a pear-shaped nucleus, different from the description provided. D: Trichomonas hominis - This is not the correct answer as Trichomonas hominis is a flagellated protozoa with multiple flagella and an undulating membrane, which does not match the characteristics of the

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the capsule of bacteria is mainly composed of polysaccharides or polypeptides. This outer layer helps bacteria evade the host's immune system and protects them from desiccation. Peptidoglycan (choice A) is a component of the bacterial cell wall, not the capsule. Flagellin (choice C) is a protein component of the bacterial flagella, not the capsule. Choice D is incorrect as the capsule is indeed composed of polysaccharides or polypeptides.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of tuberculosis. 2. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a slow-growing, acid-fast bacterium. 3. It primarily infects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. 4. Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, and Treponema pallidum causes syphilis. 5. Therefore, choice A, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is the correct answer for the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is specifically associated with tuberculosis, a contagious disease that primarily affects the lungs. Mycobacterium leprae (choice A) is associated with leprosy, not tuberculosis. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (choice C) causes gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae (choice D) is known for causing pneumonia, not tuberculosis. Therefore, based on the association with the disease tuberculosis, the correct answer is Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that can survive and grow in low moisture conditions. It does not require a host cell and can thrive in moist environments, making it able to grow on substances with very low moisture content. Giardia lamblia (A), Balantidium coli (C), and Entamoeba histolytica (D) are all parasites that require a host to survive and reproduce, making them unable to grow on substances with very low moisture content. Trichomonas vaginalis is the only organism among the choices that fits the criteria of being able to grow on low moisture substances.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Meningitides. H. Influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium known to cause meningitis, a serious infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Hib does not typically cause tonsillitis, urinary tract infections, or gastroenteritis. Meningitis is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment, making it crucial to identify Hib as the causative agent.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium is a Gram-negative diplococcus, oxidase-positive, and fermentative. Neisseria meningitidis is known to cause respiratory infections and is commonly found in sputum cultures of patients with such infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (B) is also a Gram-negative diplococcus but is not fermentative. Moraxella catarrhalis (C) is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. Haemophilus influenzae (D) is not a diplococcus and is not fermentative. Therefore, Neisseria meningitidis is the most likely causative agent based on the given characteristics.