Which of the following bacteria is known for producing a biofilm on medical devices?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium is known for producing biofilms on medical devices due to its ability to adhere and form a slimy layer that protects it from antibiotics and the host immune system. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections. Clostridium tetani (A) causes tetanus, not known for biofilm production on medical devices. Salmonella enterica (C) causes foodborne illnesses, not typically associated with medical device biofilms. Staphylococcus aureus (D) is a common pathogen in healthcare settings but is not specifically known for biofilm production on medical devices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This pathogen is known to cause amoebic dysentery, characterized by diarrhea with bloody or mucoid stools. The presence of cysts with four nuclei in the stool microscopy is a characteristic feature of Entamoeba histolytica. Other choices are incorrect because Giardia lamblia typically presents with binucleate cysts, Balantidium coli is a ciliated protozoan, and Trichomonas hominis is a non-pathogenic parasite found in the human intestine.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pyogenes. 1. Gram-positive cocci in chains suggest streptococci. 2. Catalase-negative indicates it's not staphylococci. 3. Beta-hemolytic points towards Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes). Summary: B. Streptococcus pneumoniae is not beta-hemolytic. C. Enterococcus faecalis is not typically chains. D. Staphylococcus aureus is catalase-positive.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium causes diphtheria, a disease characterized by a pseudomembrane in the throat. This pseudomembrane is a result of the bacterial exotoxins causing inflammation and necrosis of the throat tissues. Clostridium tetani (A) causes tetanus, characterized by muscle stiffness, not a pseudomembrane in the throat. Bordetella pertussis (B) causes whooping cough, with symptoms of severe coughing fits but no pseudomembrane. Streptococcus pyogenes (D) causes strep throat, but does not produce a pseudomembrane.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flagella. Flagella are whip-like appendages used by bacteria for movement. They rotate in a corkscrew motion to propel the bacteria through their environment. Pili (choice A) are hair-like structures used for attachment, not movement. Capsules (choice C) are protective layers around bacteria, not involved in movement. Fimbriae (choice D) are also used for attachment and biofilm formation, not for movement. Therefore, the correct choice is B as flagella are specifically adapted for bacterial motility.