Which of the following bacteria is responsible for causing the disease known as whooping cough?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Step 2: This bacterium produces toxins that damage the respiratory tract, leading to severe coughing fits. Step 3: Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae causes respiratory infections, and Staphylococcus aureus causes skin infections. Step 4: Therefore, A is the correct answer as it is the only bacterium directly associated with whooping cough.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: interferes with protein synthesis. Cephalosporins are beta-lactam antibiotics that work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, not protein synthesis. They are bactericidal and have a relatively broad spectrum of activity against various bacteria. Choice A, B, and C all describe characteristics of cephalosporins, making them incorrect options.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is known to be the primary cause of peptic ulcers by colonizing the stomach lining and causing inflammation. It produces urease enzyme to neutralize stomach acid and has a flagellum for mobility. Escherichia coli (A) is mainly associated with foodborne illnesses. Streptococcus pyogenes (C) causes strep throat and skin infections. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (D) causes tuberculosis, a respiratory infection. Therefore, Helicobacter pylori is the correct choice for peptic ulcers based on its unique characteristics and pathogenicity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (A: Epstein-Barr virus): 1. Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the Herpesviridae family, known for causing infectious mononucleosis. 2. Members of Herpesviridae have double-stranded DNA genomes and enveloped virions. 3. They establish latent infections in host cells and can reactivate periodically. 4. Poxvirus (B) belongs to the Poxviridae family, not Herpesviridae. 5. SARS (C) is caused by a coronavirus, not a herpesvirus. 6. HIV (D) belongs to the Retroviridae family, not Herpesviridae. Summary: The correct answer is A because Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the Herpesviridae family, exhibiting specific characteristics distinct from the other choices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium produces cholera toxin, an exotoxin that causes severe dehydration and diarrhea by increasing the secretion of electrolytes and water in the intestines. Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of cholera, a disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhea. Choice B, Clostridium tetani, produces tetanospasmin causing tetanus, not dehydration or diarrhea. Choice C, Escherichia coli, can cause diarrhea but rarely severe dehydration. Choice D, Shigella dysenteriae, produces Shiga toxin leading to bloody diarrhea, not severe dehydration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: BK virus. BK virus is a common cause of hemorrhagic cystitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It infects the urinary tract, leading to inflammation and bleeding in the bladder. Enteroviruses, Flaviviruses, and Coronaviruses do not typically cause hemorrhagic cystitis. Enteroviruses usually cause respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, Flaviviruses are commonly associated with diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus, and Coronaviruses are known for causing respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. Hence, the correct answer is A as it is the only virus among the options known to cause hemorrhagic cystitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Proteus mirabilis. This bacterium shows swarming on blood agar due to its ability to produce flagella and exhibit rapid and coordinated movement. Providencia stuartii and Providencia rettgeri are not known for swarming behavior on blood agar. Morganella morganii can exhibit swarming motility, but it is not as commonly associated with this characteristic compared to Proteus mirabilis, making C the most appropriate choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: I'm sorry, but there seems to be a mistake in the question provided. The correct answer should be A: smallpox. Variola virus indeed causes smallpox, not jock itch. Smallpox is a highly contagious disease characterized by fever and rash, while jock itch, ringworm, and shingles are caused by different pathogens and have distinct symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: viruses. Viruses are always in a parasitic form of interaction with the individual because they cannot survive or reproduce outside of a host cell. They rely on host cells to replicate and cause harm. Non-pathogenic bacteria (choice B) do not always cause harm and can coexist with the individual. Facultative pathogenic bacteria (choice C) can switch between being beneficial and harmful. Therefore, the correct answer is A as viruses always rely on a host for survival and reproduction.