Which of the following bacteria is responsible for causing botulism?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces botulinum toxin, leading to botulism. It is commonly found in soil and improperly canned food. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Staphylococcus aureus causes food poisoning, and Salmonella enterica causes salmonellosis. Therefore, A is correct due to its association with botulism, while the other choices are incorrect for causing different diseases.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Binary fission. Binary fission is a method of bacterial cell division, not a method of acquiring genetic material. Transformation, conjugation, and transduction are mechanisms through which bacteria can acquire genetic material from other sources. Transformation involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment, conjugation is the transfer of genetic material through direct cell-to-cell contact, and transduction is the transfer of genetic material via bacteriophages. Therefore, binary fission is the only option that does not involve the acquisition of new genetic material.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice A: 1. Viruses contain genetic material in the form of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). 2. Proteins are essential for the structure and function of viral particles. 3. Nucleic acids (genetic material) and proteins are the two main components of viruses. 4. Therefore, choice A (nucleic acid and proteins) is correct. Summary: - Choice B (nucleic acids and lipids) is incorrect as lipids are not a main structural component of viruses. - Choice C (lipids and proteins) is incorrect as nucleic acids are essential components of viruses. - Choice D (proteins and glycoproteins) is incorrect as glycoproteins are a type of protein and not a separate component in viruses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Bacillus cereus is known to cause food poisoning due to the production of toxins in contaminated food. It is not the causative agent of anthrax or endocarditis. The correct answer is B because Bacillus cereus is commonly associated with foodborne illnesses, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's essential to understand the specific characteristics and pathogenicity of Bacillus cereus to differentiate it from other bacterial infections.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: P.aeruginosa. This bacterium is commonly found in water and soil, making its presence in indoor air an indicator of poor sanitation. Step 1: P.aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen known to cause infections in hospitals. Step 2: Its presence in the air indicates potential contamination and poor air quality. Step 3: Regular monitoring of P.aeruginosa levels can help assess the effectiveness of sanitation measures. Summary: A, B, and C are not suitable indicators of air sanitation in an enclosed space as they are not typically associated with environmental contamination or poor air quality.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: To determine the children that need to receive BCG vaccination. The Mantoux test is used to identify individuals who have been exposed to Tuberculosis (TB) and need BCG vaccination for protection. Parotitis (choice A) is a viral infection unrelated to TB. Allergization rate toward rickettsia (choice B) and immune stress toward diphtheria (choice C) are not related to the Mantoux test or BCG vaccination. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer as it aligns with the purpose of the Mantoux test.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (25°C) because dimorphic fungi typically grow as molds at lower temperatures. At 25°C, the fungus is likely in its mold phase, which is the preferred temperature range for mold growth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 15°C and 20°C are too low for optimal mold growth, and 37°C is too high as it typically favors the yeast phase of dimorphic fungi. Therefore, the preferred temperature for mold growth of a dimorphic fungus is 25°C.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Chlorhexidine belongs to the group of biguanides, making choice A accurate. Step 2: It is commonly used for disinfection of hands, skin, and mucous membranes. Step 3: It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, making it widely applicable. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as chlorhexidine is not classified as an alcohol. Choice C is incorrect as chlorhexidine has various applications. Choice D is incorrect as chlorhexidine is generally safe for use with low toxicity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Leffler's method. In this staining method, gentian violet solution is used as the primary stain, followed by Lugol's solution as a mordant, 960 spiritus as a decolorizer, and water fuchsin as a counterstain. Gentian violet stains the organisms purple, Lugol's solution helps in fixing the dye, 960 spiritus decolorizes non-specifically, and water fuchsin acts as a counterstain to help visualize the bacteria. Leffler's method is specifically used for staining sputum smears in suspected cases of croupous pneumonia. Summary: B: Gram's staining uses crystal violet, iodine, alcohol, and safranin. It is mainly used for distinguishing between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. C: Ziehl-Neelsen's staining is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis using carbol fuchsin and acid-alcohol