Which bacteria produce toxins that can lead to food poisoning?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all three bacteria listed (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Clostridium botulinum) can produce toxins leading to food poisoning. Staphylococcus aureus produces heat-stable toxins causing rapid onset of symptoms. Escherichia coli can produce toxins like Shiga toxin leading to severe foodborne illness. Clostridium botulinum produces neurotoxins causing botulism. Choice A, B, and C are incorrect because each bacteria can produce toxins that are harmful if ingested.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (25°C) because dimorphic fungi typically grow as molds at lower temperatures. At 25°C, the fungus is likely in its mold phase, which is the preferred temperature range for mold growth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 15°C and 20°C are too low for optimal mold growth, and 37°C is too high as it typically favors the yeast phase of dimorphic fungi. Therefore, the preferred temperature for mold growth of a dimorphic fungus is 25°C.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above) as all three bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Neisseria meningitidis) produce endotoxins causing fever and shock. Endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and can trigger an immune response leading to fever and shock. Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are common causes of food poisoning and sepsis, while Neisseria meningitidis is responsible for meningococcal meningitis and septicemia. Therefore, all three choices are correct in producing endotoxins that can cause fever and shock.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prions. Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause spongiform encephalopathy by inducing normal proteins to misfold as well. Prions lack genetic material, distinguishing them from viruses (B), bacteria (C), and fungi (D), which all contain genetic material and cannot directly cause spongiform encephalopathy through protein misfolding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Sodium is the major cation in the intracellular fluid. 2. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cell volume and transmitting nerve impulses. 3. Potassium is the major cation in the extracellular fluid, not intracellular. 4. Bicarbonate and sulfate are anions and not major cations in intracellular fluid. Summary: Choice B (sodium) is correct as it is the major cation in intracellular fluid, essential for various cellular functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as potassium is extracellular, while bicarbonate and sulfate are anions and not predominant cations in intracellular fluid.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Leishmaniasis. The description of thin microorganisms with 12-14 uniform tendrils, 10-13 micrometers in length, and pale pink color matches the characteristics of Leishmania parasites seen in Giemsa-stained samples. Leishmania parasites are known to have a distinctive appearance with pointed tips and a specific size range. Syphilis (choice A) is caused by Treponema pallidum, which appears as tightly coiled spirochetes, not tendrils. Trypanosomiasis (choice B) is caused by Trypanosoma parasites, which have a different morphology and staining pattern. Relapsing fever (choice D) is caused by Borrelia recurrentis, which does not match the description given. Therefore, the correct choice is C as the description aligns closely with the characteristic features of Leishmania parasites.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice A: 1. Viruses contain genetic material in the form of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). 2. Proteins are essential for the structure and function of viral particles. 3. Nucleic acids (genetic material) and proteins are the two main components of viruses. 4. Therefore, choice A (nucleic acid and proteins) is correct. Summary: - Choice B (nucleic acids and lipids) is incorrect as lipids are not a main structural component of viruses. - Choice C (lipids and proteins) is incorrect as nucleic acids are essential components of viruses. - Choice D (proteins and glycoproteins) is incorrect as glycoproteins are a type of protein and not a separate component in viruses.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Structure of cell wall. When studying a bacterial smear stained by the Ozheshko method, the focus is on the cell wall structure. This staining method highlights the cell wall morphology, allowing for detailed examination. Flagella, spores, and capsules are not typically visualized using this staining method. Flagella require special staining techniques, spores are usually observed through specific staining methods like Schaeffer-Fulton, and capsules are not easily visualized with the Ozheshko staining method. Therefore, the structure of the cell wall is the most relevant feature to study in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis). The presence of clue cells on the Gram-stained smears is characteristic of bacterial vaginosis. Clue cells are vaginal epithelial cells covered with bacteria, specifically Gardnerella vaginalis, which is the causative agent of bacterial vaginosis. The symptoms described by the patient - itching, burning, watery discharge with a fish-like smell - are classic signs of bacterial vaginosis. The absence of alterations in the cervix, uterus, and appendages rules out other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydiosis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Therefore, the most likely pathology in this case is bacterial vaginosis.