Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above," because all three bacteria listed (Vibrio cholerae, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli) produce toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Vibrio cholerae produces cholera toxin leading to severe diarrhea. Clostridium difficile produces toxins causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Escherichia coli can produce toxins such as Shiga toxin causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, all the options listed are correct in producing toxins that can result in severe gastrointestinal illness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of flagella in a bacterial cell represents the H-antigen. Flagella are protein structures on the cell surface that play a role in bacterial motility. The H-antigen refers to the flagellar antigen, which is involved in immune responses and bacterial identification. Option A is correct because flagella are specifically associated with the H-antigen. Summarily, choices B and C are incorrect because the O-antigen and K-antigen are associated with lipopolysaccharide and capsule antigens, respectively, not flagella. Option D is incorrect as well because the correct association is with the H-antigen.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: peroxisomes. Peroxisomes contain oxidative enzymes, such as catalase and peroxidase, that are capable of oxidizing toxic substances. These enzymes help detoxify harmful molecules by breaking them down into harmless products. Lysosomes (choices B and C) contain hydrolytic enzymes for breaking down cellular waste, not oxidative enzymes. Therefore, the correct choice is peroxisomes due to their specific function in detoxification through oxidation reactions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Immunocomplex. In this case, the patient's symptoms of fever, joint pains, rash, and itch along with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia indicate a serum sickness reaction. This is a type III hypersensitivity reaction where antigen-antibody complexes deposit in tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. The symptoms typically occur 1-2 weeks after exposure to the antigen. Anaphylactic reaction (choice A) is immediate and involves IgE antibodies. Cytotoxic reaction (choice B) involves destruction of cells by antibodies. Delayed hypersensitivity (choice C) usually takes 48-72 hours to develop and involves T-cells. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it aligns with the symptoms and timeline of a type III hypersensitivity reaction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serological. Serological testing involves analyzing blood samples for specific antibodies produced in response to the pertussis infection. This method can detect past infections by identifying the presence of antibodies against the pertussis bacteria in the blood. In this case, since the doctor suspects pertussis infection in both children, serological testing can confirm if they have been exposed to the bacteria. Summary: B: Biological testing does not specifically target pertussis antibodies in the blood. C: Bacteriological testing involves culturing bacteria from samples, which may not be as sensitive for retrospective diagnosis. D: Molecular biological testing focuses on genetic material of the bacteria, which may not provide direct evidence of past infection.