Which bacterium can contaminate foods and grow at refrigerator temperatures (4°C-8°C)

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Yersinia enterocolitica. This bacterium can contaminate foods and grow at refrigerator temperatures due to its psychrotrophic nature. Yersinia enterocolitica is known to cause foodborne illnesses even when stored at cold temperatures. Shigella sonnei is a human pathogen transmitted through fecal-oral route, Campylobacter jejuni is typically found in poultry and causes food poisoning, and E. coli can cause foodborne illnesses but does not grow well at refrigerator temperatures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that can survive and grow in low moisture conditions. It does not require a host cell and can thrive in moist environments, making it able to grow on substances with very low moisture content. Giardia lamblia (A), Balantidium coli (C), and Entamoeba histolytica (D) are all parasites that require a host to survive and reproduce, making them unable to grow on substances with very low moisture content. Trichomonas vaginalis is the only organism among the choices that fits the criteria of being able to grow on low moisture substances.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because virulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes exhibit multiple pathogenic factors. A: They do not have endotoxin-like substances, so this is incorrect. B: They are indeed facultative intracellular bacteria, aiding in their ability to survive and replicate inside host cells. C: They produce hemolysin, which helps them lyse red blood cells. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as all of the above statements are true for virulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: aspergillosis and candidiasis. Detection of galactomannan and free mannan is commonly used in diagnosing these fungal infections. Galactomannan is a component of the cell wall of Aspergillus species, while free mannan is associated with Candida species. This detection method helps in identifying these specific fungal infections accurately. B: Syphilis is caused by a bacterium, Treponema pallidum, and is not diagnosed using galactomannan or free mannan detection. C: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira species and is not diagnosed using galactomannan or free mannan detection. D: HIV infection is a viral infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus and is not diagnosed using galactomannan or free mannan detection.

Correct Answer:

Rationale: Correct Answer: C: opportunists Rationale: 1. Opportunistic microorganisms cause infections only when the host's immune system is compromised. 2. They are typically harmless in healthy individuals but can become pathogenic in weakened hosts. 3. Saprophytic microorganisms are environmental decomposers, not inherently pathogenic. 4. Facultative pathogens can cause disease in both healthy and compromised hosts. 5. Obligate pathogens always cause disease regardless of the host's condition. Summary: A: Facultative pathogens can cause disease in healthy hosts. B: Saprophytes are not inherently pathogenic. D: Obligate pathogens always cause disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because spores are heat-resistant and require high temperatures for destruction. Autoclaving at 121°C for 15-20 minutes ensures spore destruction due to the high pressure and temperature. Choice B (heating to 80°C) is insufficient to destroy spores. Choice C (boiling at 100°C for 10 minutes) is also inadequate as spores require higher temperatures for elimination. Choice D (None of them) is incorrect as autoclaving is the standard method for spore sterilization.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: spleen. The spleen is not a component of the gastrointestinal tract; it is part of the lymphatic system. The pharynx, esophagus, and stomach are all part of the gastrointestinal tract responsible for digestion and absorption of food. The spleen's main functions include filtering blood, storing blood cells, and supporting the immune system, making it unrelated to the digestive process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidiasis. The large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus described in the stool sample is consistent with Balantidium coli, the causative agent of balantidiasis. Balantidium coli is the only ciliated protozoan parasite that infects humans and presents with these specific characteristics. Giardiasis (B) is caused by Giardia intestinalis, which is flagellated, not ciliated. Amoebiasis (C) is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which has an amoeboid shape, not ciliated. Trichomoniasis (D) is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, which is a flagellated protozoan and does not have a kidney-shaped macronucleus. Hence, the correct diagnosis in this case is Balantidiasis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Measles serological test. This is because the clinical presentation of high fever, maculopapular rash, and Filatov-Koplik's spots on the buccal mucosa are classic symptoms of measles. The presence of Filatov-Koplik's spots is highly specific for measles. Performing a measles serological test will help confirm the diagnosis by detecting measles-specific antibodies in the blood. Incorrect choices: A: Mumps serological test - Mumps typically presents with parotitis (swelling of the parotid glands) and not with Filatov-Koplik's spots. B: Enteroviruses serological test - Enteroviruses do not typically cause Filatov-Koplik's spots or the classic triad of symptoms seen in measles. D: Influenza virus serological test - Influenza virus does not cause Filatov-Koplik's spots and the characteristic rash seen