Which bacteria produce a toxin that causes the disease botulism?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces the neurotoxin responsible for botulism. Clostridium perfringens causes gas gangrene, not botulism. Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are not associated with botulism. Clostridium botulinum is the only bacterium known to produce the toxin causing botulism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To perform serodiagnostics of tuberculosis. Rationale: The negative reaction to the Mantoux test indicates absence of TB infection. Performing serodiagnostics will further confirm the absence of active infection. This is important to rule out TB before considering vaccination or isolation measures. Summary: A: BCG vaccination is not necessary as the boy shows a negative reaction to the Mantoux test. B: Repeating the test in a month is unnecessary as the initial test already showed a negative reaction. D: Isolating the boy is not warranted as there is no evidence of active TB infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Treponema pallidum is a spirochete bacterium known to cause syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. Step 2: Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea, not syphilis. Step 3: Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for causing chlamydia, not syphilis. Step 4: Escherichia coli is commonly found in the gut and can cause gastrointestinal infections, not syphilis. Summary: Treponema pallidum is the correct answer as it is the specific bacterium associated with syphilis, while the other choices are responsible for different infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because differential growth media, such as Endo agar and MacConkey agar, contain specific indicators or substrates that allow for the differentiation of microorganisms based on their metabolic properties. For example, Eosin methylene blue agar differentiates between lactose fermenting and non-fermenting bacteria based on color changes. Levine's formulation is selective for Gram-negative bacteria due to bile salts and crystal violet. In contrast, the other choices do not have specific indicators for differentiation among microorganisms. Lowenstein-Jensen and SS agar are selective media for mycobacteria and Salmonella/Shigella species, respectively. ACA and BPLS agar are selective but not differential, and Nutrient agar and Peptone water are general-purpose media without differential properties.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Overcrowding. Overcrowding can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases due to increased contact between individuals, making it easier for pathogens to transmit from one person to another. This is a risk factor on the part of the macroorganism as it directly impacts the likelihood of disease transmission. Environmental pollution (B) may impact overall health but is not a direct risk factor for infectious diseases. Physical fatigue (C) weakens the immune system but is not a direct facilitator of disease transmission. Ionizing radiation (D) can cause cellular damage but is not a typical risk factor for infectious diseases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Vibrio cholerae is a bacterium known to cause cholera, a foodborne illness transmitted through contaminated water. Step 2: Cholera outbreaks are often linked to unsanitary water sources, making Vibrio cholerae the correct choice. Step 3: Clostridium difficile causes gastrointestinal infections, not typically associated with contaminated water. Step 4: Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, a respiratory disease, not related to foodborne illnesses. Step 5: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a sexually transmitted bacterium, not linked to foodborne illnesses from contaminated water.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a straight or slightly curved rod with occasional polymorphism. This bacterium does not conform to the characteristics of gram-negative coccus (A), gram-positive coccus (B), or gram-negative rod (C). Mycobacterium tuberculosis is characterized by its unique cell wall composition, which includes high lipid content and mycolic acids, contributing to its acid-fast staining property. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the morphology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a supercapsid is a lipoprotein membrane that encloses the nucleocapsid, providing protection to the genetic material inside. This structure is distinct from the capsid which is the protein coat surrounding the nucleic acid. Choice A is incorrect as there is no shell located between the capsid and supercapsid. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the nucleocapsid itself, not the supercapsid. Choice D is incorrect as a protein envelope around the nucleic acid does not specifically refer to a supercapsid.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epidemic typhus. This disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia prowazekii, which is transmitted by body lice. The symptoms include high fever, body rash, and tiny wounds due to scratching. The presence of lice in the clothing suggests a possible lice-borne disease like epidemic typhus. Summary: - B: Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, transmitted through ticks, deer flies, and contact with infected animals. Lice are not involved in its transmission. - C: Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, leading to itching and skin rashes. It is not associated with high fever or lice infestation. - D: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The symptoms differ from those described in the scenario, and lice are not involved in its