Which bacteria is commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections due to its ability to cause a wide range of infections and its resistance to multiple antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus can cause skin infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections, making it a significant threat in healthcare settings. Escherichia coli (choice A) is more commonly associated with foodborne illnesses. Clostridium difficile (choice B) is known for causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Bacillus anthracis (choice D) is primarily associated with anthrax infections, which are not typically acquired in hospital settings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is responsible for causing tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis specifically targets the lungs, leading to respiratory symptoms and can spread to other parts of the body. Streptococcus pneumoniae (A) is known for causing pneumonia, Neisseria meningitidis (C) causes meningitis, and Clostridium botulinum (D) causes botulism, not tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the only bacterium among the choices that is associated with tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Facultative anaerobes. Facultative anaerobes can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments by switching between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. They have the flexibility to use oxygen if present but can also ferment in the absence of oxygen. Obligate anaerobes (A) cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, obligate aerobes (C) require oxygen for survival, and microaerophiles (D) require low levels of oxygen for growth, unlike facultative anaerobes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is responsible for causing tuberculosis as it specifically infects the lungs and can spread through the air. Mycobacterium leprae (choice A) causes leprosy, not tuberculosis. Streptococcus pneumoniae (choice C) is a common cause of pneumonia but not tuberculosis. Clostridium botulinum (choice D) causes botulism, a different disease unrelated to tuberculosis. Therefore, the unique characteristics and infection pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis make it the correct choice for the bacteria responsible for causing tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) because all three bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) are known to cause urinary tract infections. E. coli is the most common causative agent of UTIs due to its ability to colonize the urethra. P. aeruginosa can cause UTIs in hospitalized patients with catheters. S. aureus is less common but can lead to UTIs, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions. Therefore, all three bacteria are potential pathogens for UTIs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these bacteria can individually cause UTIs, making the correct answer D.