Which of the following bacteria is associated with foodborne illnesses caused by contaminated water?

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: 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: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the main factor in the pathogenicity of diphtheria is the exotoxin produced by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This exotoxin inhibits protein synthesis in host cells, leading to tissue damage and the characteristic symptoms of diphtheria. A: The metachromatic bodies of Ernst-Babes are not the main factor in diphtheria pathogenicity. B: While endotoxins can contribute to the pathogenicity of some bacteria, in diphtheria, the main factor is the exotoxin. D: This is incorrect as the main factor in diphtheria pathogenicity is the exotoxin.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sabouraud. Sabouraud agar is specifically designed to promote the growth of fungi due to its low pH and high glucose content. The cream-like colonies indicate fungal growth, as fungi often appear as fluffy or powdery colonies on Sabouraud agar. Lowenstein-Jensen is used for mycobacteria, Roux for diphtheria, and Loeffler for Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Therefore, Sabouraud is the most suitable medium for detecting fungal contamination based on the characteristics of the colonies formed.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Koch's postulate states that a microorganism must be isolated in pure culture, grown in a laboratory setting, and then inoculated into animals to reproduce the same disease seen in the original host. This step demonstrates a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the isolated microorganism and the disease. Choice A is incorrect because not all cases of a disease may have the same microorganism present. Choice B is incorrect as isolating the microorganism alone does not prove its pathogenicity. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the need for experimental reproduction of the disease in a new host.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Escherichia coli. E.coli is the most common urinary tract pathogen due to its ability to adhere to and infect the urinary tract epithelium. It accounts for approximately 80-85% of urinary tract infections. It possesses specific virulence factors that enable it to colonize and cause infection in the urinary tract. Proteus mirabilis (A) is known for causing complicated UTIs, but it is less common than E.coli. Staphylococcus aureus (B) is not a common urinary pathogen. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (D) is more commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections, rather than community-acquired urinary tract infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: protein envelope around the nucleic acid. Viral capsid is the protein coat that surrounds and protects the viral nucleic acid (DNA or RNA). This structure helps in protecting the genetic material from degradation and facilitates the attachment of the virus to host cells. Option B is incorrect as it suggests the nucleic acid is coated with protein, which is not the case. Option C is incorrect as not all viruses have an outer membrane. Option D is incorrect as viruses typically do not have a lipoprotein membrane.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quorum sensing in bacteria refers to a process of cell-cell communication. Bacteria release signaling molecules to communicate with each other, coordinating group behaviors such as biofilm formation or virulence factor production when a certain population density is reached. This communication helps bacteria respond collectively to environmental cues. A: Incorrect - Locomotion refers to movement, not communication between bacteria. C: Incorrect - Uptake of foreign DNA is related to genetic transfer mechanisms, not communication. D: Incorrect - Antibiotic resistance mechanisms may involve genetic changes but are not directly related to inter-bacterial communication. In summary, quorum sensing is a vital communication system that allows bacteria to coordinate behaviors for survival and adaptation.

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.