Which of the following bacteria produces endotoxins that can lead to septic shock?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D (All of the above). All three bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) produce endotoxins that can lead to septic shock. Endotoxins are part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and can trigger a strong immune response, leading to septic shock when released in large amounts. Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica are common causes of bacterial septic shock, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for its ability to produce endotoxins that contribute to severe infections and septic shock. Therefore, all three choices are correct in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "All of the above." E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus are all known to cause urinary tract infections. E. coli is the most common causative agent due to its presence in the gut. P. aeruginosa and S. aureus can also infect the urinary tract, although less frequently. Therefore, all three bacteria are potential pathogens for urinary tract infections.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because antibody diversity is generated by rearrangements of DNA encoding variable regions of heavy and light chains (choice A) and by the combination of different heavy and light chains that form the antigen binding site (choice B). Step 1: DNA rearrangements create different variable regions in heavy and light chains. Step 2: Combination of different heavy and light chains leads to unique antigen binding sites. Step 3: This diversity allows antibodies to bind to different epitopes on the same antigen. Step 4: Choice C is incorrect as antibodies do not physically change shape to bind different epitopes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: psittacosis. Psittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci that primarily affects the lower respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia-like symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes atypical pneumonia, not pharyngitis (Choice A). Chronic atrophic rhinitis (Choice C) and rhinoscleroma (Choice D) both affect the upper respiratory tract, not the lower respiratory tract. Psittacosis specifically targets the lower respiratory tract, making it the most appropriate answer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Immunological tolerance to the pathogen Rationale: 1. Immunological tolerance is when the immune system does not mount a response against specific antigens to prevent autoimmunity. 2. In the context of infection, tolerance to the pathogen means the immune system does not recognize the pathogen as a threat and does not initiate a protective response. 3. This lack of response leaves the host vulnerable to infection as there is no specific immune defense mechanism activated against the pathogen. Summary of incorrect choices: A: Opsonic action of antibody - enhances phagocytosis of pathogens B: Viral neutralization by specific antibody - prevents viral entry into host cells D: Neutralization of protein exotoxin - prevents the harmful effects of toxins produced by pathogens.