Which bacteria is responsible for causing whooping cough?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bordetella pertussis. This bacterium causes whooping cough by attaching to the respiratory tract and releasing toxins that lead to severe coughing fits. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, not whooping cough. Haemophilus influenzae can cause respiratory infections but not specifically whooping cough. Staphylococcus aureus is known for causing skin infections and not respiratory diseases like whooping cough. Therefore, the presence of Bordetella pertussis and its specific mechanism of causing whooping cough makes it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a toxic, odorless gas commonly used as a sterilizing agent in healthcare settings due to its ability to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is a highly reactive compound that can penetrate porous materials, making it an ideal choice for sterilization purposes. Incorrect choices: B: Carbon dioxide is not used as a sterilizing agent and is not toxic. C: Carbon monoxide is not commonly used for sterilization and has a distinct odor. D: Propane is not used for sterilization in healthcare settings and is not odorless.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: colonization. E. Coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the pharynx indicate colonization rather than being part of the normal resident flora. Colonization refers to the presence of these bacteria on body surfaces without causing harm. They are not considered normal flora in the pharynx but rather transient or opportunistic pathogens. Choice A is incorrect because these bacteria are not part of the normal resident flora of the pharynx. Choice C is incorrect as it implies that these bacteria are both normal flora and colonization, which is not accurate. Choice D is incorrect as there is evidence of bacterial presence, indicating colonization.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium can be transmitted via droplets in the air through coughing or sneezing. It is spread through respiratory droplets containing the bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae (A) is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory secretions, not through droplets in the air. Escherichia coli (B) is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water, not through the air. Clostridium botulinum (C) is typically transmitted through contaminated food, not via respiratory droplets. Therefore, the correct choice is D as it is the only bacterium listed that can be transmitted via droplets in the air.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Resistance to heat and dehydration. Spore-forming bacteria form spores as a survival mechanism in harsh conditions. These spores are highly resistant to heat and dehydration, allowing the bacteria to withstand extreme environments. This characteristic is essential for their long-term survival and ability to persist in unfavorable conditions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because not all spore-forming bacteria produce toxins, have flagella, or are capable of photosynthesis. These characteristics are not exclusive to spore-forming bacteria and do not define them as a group.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Humoral immunity. Humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies by B cells that can bind to antigens on viruses, leading to their agglutination. This process prevents the spread of the virus in the body. Passive immunity (A) involves receiving pre-formed antibodies, not the production of antibodies. Cell-mediated immunity (C) involves the activation of T cells, not the direct agglutination of viruses. Non-specific immunity (D) refers to general defense mechanisms like inflammation and fever, not targeted agglutination of viruses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aspergillosis and candidiasis. Galactomannan is a polysaccharide found in Aspergillus cell walls and is detected in patients with invasive aspergillosis. Free mannan is a polysaccharide found in Candida cell walls and is detected in patients with candidiasis. Therefore, detection of galactomannan and free mannan is specific for diagnosing Aspergillosis and candidiasis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as HIV infection, syphilis, and leptospirosis do not involve the detection of galactomannan or free mannan for diagnosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is known for causing tuberculosis, as it specifically infects the lungs and can lead to serious respiratory issues. Mycobacterium leprae (Choice B) causes leprosy, not tuberculosis. Escherichia coli (Choice C) is a common bacteria found in the intestines and is not associated with tuberculosis. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Choice D) causes pneumonia, but not tuberculosis. Therefore, the correct choice is A because Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the specific bacterium responsible for causing tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Direct transfer of DNA between two bacterial cells. In bacterial conjugation, genetic material is transferred directly from one bacterial cell to another through a conjugative pilus. This process involves physical contact between the cells, followed by the transfer of plasmid DNA or chromosomal DNA. This mechanism allows for the exchange of genetic information between bacteria, leading to genetic diversity. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: DNA transfer via bacteriophage - Bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria and transfers its genetic material, but this is not the mechanism involved in bacterial conjugation. B: Uptake of naked DNA from the environment - This process is known as transformation, where bacteria take up free DNA from the environment, but it is not specific to bacterial conjugation. D: Binary fission - Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in bacteria where a single cell divides into two identical cells, and it is not related to the process