Which bacteria produce exotoxins that affect the nervous system?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani. Both bacteria produce exotoxins that affect the nervous system. Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin, causing botulism, leading to muscle paralysis. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin, causing tetanus, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Choice B (Escherichia coli and Salmonella) are known for causing gastrointestinal infections, not specifically affecting the nervous system. Choice C (Bacillus anthracis and Listeria monocytogenes) produce toxins that primarily affect other body systems, not the nervous system. Choice D (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) are associated with skin and respiratory infections, not neurological effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: cytomegalovirus (CMV). Congenital CMV infections are caused by the transmission of CMV from a pregnant woman to her fetus. CMV is a type of herpes virus, not a coronavirus (A), herpes simplex virus (B), or Epstein-Barr virus (D). CMV is known to cause serious health issues in newborns, making it crucial to identify and manage during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Itraconazole. Itraconazole is an antifungal medication commonly used to treat candidosis. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. This action disrupts the integrity of the fungal cell membrane, leading to cell death. Griseofulvin (B) is primarily used to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails, not mucous membranes. Nitrofungin (C) is not commonly used for candidosis treatment. Amphotericin (D) is a potent antifungal medication but is typically reserved for severe or systemic fungal infections due to its potential side effects.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: simple diffusion. In simple diffusion, molecules move from an area of high concentration to low concentration without the need for energy input. Hydrostatic pressure is a form of passive transport that drives molecules to equalize concentration. Filtration (A) involves the movement of solutes through a membrane under pressure. Exocytosis (B) is the process by which cells release substances outside the cell using energy. Osmosis (C) is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane. Therefore, simple diffusion is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because Streptococci are Gram-positive bacteria, typically spherical in shape, and range from 0.5-1 µm in size. A is incorrect as streptococci are not rod-shaped and are usually smaller in size. B is incorrect as they are not Gram-negative and are not typically of such small size. C is incorrect as streptococci are not Gram-negative and are not usually rod-shaped. Thus, based on their characteristics, the correct answer is D.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bordetella pertussis. This bacterium is known for causing whooping cough due to its ability to produce toxins that damage the respiratory tract, leading to severe coughing fits. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae can cause respiratory infections but not whooping cough, and Staphylococcus aureus is more commonly associated with skin infections. Therefore, A is the correct choice based on its specific association with the disease in question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli are all common bacteria associated with food poisoning. Clostridium botulinum produces a potent neurotoxin causing botulism. Salmonella enterica causes salmonellosis, a common foodborne illness. Escherichia coli can produce toxins leading to food poisoning. Therefore, since all three bacteria are known to cause food poisoning, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these bacteria individually is commonly associated with food poisoning, not just one of them.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: rectum. Pinworms typically inhabit the rectum area in humans, where they lay their eggs. This is because the female pinworm migrates to the rectum at night to deposit her eggs near the anus. Other choices are incorrect because pinworms do not reside in the duodenum (A), ileum (B), or transverse colon (C) as their primary location is in the lower gastrointestinal tract near the anus.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thayer-Martin agar. This selective media contains antibiotics that inhibit the growth of other organisms while allowing Neisseria gonorrhoeae to grow. The antibiotics in Thayer-Martin agar include vancomycin, colistin, nystatin, and trimethoprim, which target different types of bacteria, ensuring the isolation of N. gonorrhoeae. Phenylethyl alcohol agar (A) is used to isolate gram-positive organisms, not N. gonorrhoeae. MacConkey agar (C) is selective for gram-negative enteric bacteria. Mannitol salt agar (D) is used for isolating Staphylococcus species based on their ability to ferment mannitol.