Which of the following bacteria are capable of forming spores?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is capable of forming spores, which are dormant, resistant structures that help bacteria survive harsh conditions. Staphylococcus aureus (A), Escherichia coli (C), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (D) do not form spores. Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacterium that does not produce spores. Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacterium that also does not form spores. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a gram-negative bacterium and does not have the ability to form spores. Therefore, the only bacteria among the options that can form spores is Clostridium botulinum.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acid-fast stain. This stain is used for diagnosing tuberculosis due to the unique cell wall composition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which resists decolorization by acid-alcohol. This allows the bacteria to retain the primary stain (carbol fuchsin) and appear red under a microscope. Gram stain (B) is not suitable for Mycobacterium tuberculosis as it is gram-positive but does not retain the crystal violet-iodine complex. Negative stain (C) is not used for bacterial identification. Simple stain (D) does not differentiate acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Thin, pale pink microorganisms with spiral coils suggest Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. 2. Staining with Romanovsky-Giemsa method highlights the characteristic morphology of T. pallidum. 3. Syphilis presents with various stages and symptoms, correlating with the lymph node involvement. 4. Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira interrogans, presenting with different clinical features. 5. Relapsing fever is caused by Borrelia species, which do not match the description. 6. Trypanosomiasis is caused by Trypanosoma species, which have distinct morphology and staining properties.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are major components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. LPS consist of lipid A, core oligosaccharide, and O-antigen. They play a crucial role in the structural integrity and protection of Gram-negative bacteria. Choice A (Gram-positive bacteria) is incorrect because LPS are not present in Gram-positive bacteria. Choice B (Fungal cell walls) is incorrect as LPS are specific to bacterial outer membranes. Choice D (Viral capsids) is incorrect as LPS are not associated with viral structures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ethambutol. Ethambutol is known to cause optic neuritis, affecting the visual nerve. It is a well-documented side effect of this drug. Isoniazid (Choice A) is associated with peripheral neuropathy, not optic neuritis. Kanamycin (Choice C) is known for its side effects on the inner ear, causing hearing loss. Rifampicin (Choice D) is not typically associated with optic neuritis but can cause other adverse effects like hepatitis. By process of elimination and knowledge of drug side effects, Ethambutol is the most likely culprit.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Plasmids. Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in bacteria that can replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome. They carry additional genetic information, such as antibiotic resistance genes or virulence factors. Mesosomes (choice A) are not involved in carrying genetic information; they are infoldings of the cell membrane. Ribosomes (choice C) are cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis, not carriers of genetic information. Choice D is incorrect as plasmids are indeed extrachromosomal carriers of genetic information in bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Treponema. Treponema pallidum is a spirochete bacterium that appears as long, thin, and spiral-shaped microorganisms with 8-12 regular coils under the microscope. This characteristic morphology is specific to Treponema species, making it the correct choice. Borrelia, Leptospira, and Vibrios have different shapes and arrangements under the microscope, making them incorrect choices in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Metronidazole. Metronidazole is the drug of choice for treating Giardiasis caused by Giardia lamblia, which presents with symptoms such as epigastric discomfort, nausea, and anorexia. Metronidazole effectively targets and eliminates the parasite. Chingamin, Rifampicin, Isoniazid, and Acyclovir are not effective against Giardia lamblia and are used to treat other infections caused by different pathogens. Therefore, Metronidazole is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because lysozyme, lactoferrin, interferon, and complement are all humoral factors involved in natural resistance. Lysozyme and lactoferrin are antimicrobial proteins that help defend against pathogens. Interferon is a signaling protein that inhibits viral replication, while complement is a group of proteins that enhance the immune response by promoting inflammation and opsonization. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: - Choice A mentions only macrophages, which are not humoral factors but rather phagocytic cells. - Choice C lists immune cells involved in adaptive immunity (B and T lymphocytes, NK cells) rather than humoral factors of natural resistance. - Choice D includes immunoglobulins, which are part of adaptive immunity, not natural resistance.