Which of the following bacteria is associated with the formation of dental caries?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Streptococcus mutans is known for its ability to produce lactic acid, which contributes to the demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to dental caries. Step 2: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen and not directly associated with dental caries. Step 3: Bacillus cereus is a foodborne pathogen and not typically found in the oral cavity or associated with dental caries. Step 4: Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, a neurological condition, and is not involved in the formation of dental caries. Summary: Choice A is correct as Streptococcus mutans is specifically linked to dental caries due to its acidogenic and aciduric properties. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not associated with dental caries.

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: caliciviruses. Caliciviruses are known to be (+) ssRNA viruses that cause gastroenteritis in a wide range of animals, including birds, cats, dogs, pigs, sheep, cows, and humans. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread through contaminated food or water. Rotaviruses (A) are also a common cause of gastroenteritis, but they are not exclusively isolated from the mentioned animals. Adenoviruses (C) typically cause respiratory or eye infections, not gastroenteritis. Noroviruses (D) are also a major cause of gastroenteritis in humans, but they are not commonly found in animals other than humans.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Yersinia enterocolitica. Y. enterocolitica is known to cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea in humans. It is often associated with contaminated food or water. Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, not diarrhea. Corynebacterium diphtheria causes respiratory diphtheria. Neisseria meningitidis is associated with meningitis and septicemia, not diarrhea. Therefore, based on the patient's symptoms and history, Y. enterocolitica is the most likely cause of the diarrhea in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: ELISA, Western blot. These tests are commonly used for diagnosing Lyme borreliosis due to their high sensitivity and specificity in detecting antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent. ELISA is the initial screening test, while Western blot is used for confirmation. Widal agglutination test (A) is used for diagnosing typhoid fever, not Lyme disease. Cultivation on blood and chocolate agar (B) is not commonly used for diagnosing Lyme borreliosis as Borrelia species are difficult to culture. Ascoli thermoprecipitation test (D) is used for diagnosing pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, not Lyme disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Protection against phagocytosis. The bacterial capsule is a protective layer outside the cell wall that helps bacteria evade phagocytosis by the host immune system. It acts as a physical barrier against immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils, allowing the bacteria to survive and multiply in the host. Energy production (A), DNA replication (C), and protein synthesis (D) are essential cellular functions but are not directly associated with the major function of the bacterial capsule, which is protection against phagocytosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoa that causes the sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis. The presence of an undulating membrane in vaginal discharge samples is characteristic of Trichomonas vaginalis. Giardia lamblia causes gastrointestinal illness, not vaginal infections. Trypanosoma brucei causes African sleeping sickness transmitted by tsetse flies. Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: lyophilization. This technique involves freezing the sample and then removing the ice through sublimation, preserving the cells in a dry state. Desiccation (A) simply involves drying without freezing. Pasteurization (C) is a heat treatment to kill pathogens, not used for preservation. Radiation (D) can sterilize but doesn't involve freezing and drying like lyophilization.