Which of the following is a characteristic of Gram-positive bacteria?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thick peptidoglycan layer. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining process, leading to a purple color. This thick layer is a defining characteristic of Gram-positive bacteria. Rationale: A: Thin peptidoglycan layer is incorrect because Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer. B: Presence of an outer membrane is incorrect because Gram-positive bacteria lack an outer membrane. D: Presence of lipopolysaccharides is incorrect because lipopolysaccharides are typically found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, not Gram-positive bacteria.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (60 years) because as individuals age, their immune system weakens, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases. Around the age of 60, people are more likely to succumb to infections, leading to a higher mortality rate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are younger ages, and the likelihood of infectious diseases causing a significant proportion of deaths increases with age.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidiasis. The large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus described in the stool sample is consistent with Balantidium coli, the causative agent of balantidiasis. Balantidium coli is the only ciliated protozoan parasite that infects humans and presents with these specific characteristics. Giardiasis (B) is caused by Giardia intestinalis, which is flagellated, not ciliated. Amoebiasis (C) is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which has an amoeboid shape, not ciliated. Trichomoniasis (D) is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, which is a flagellated protozoan and does not have a kidney-shaped macronucleus. Hence, the correct diagnosis in this case is Balantidiasis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because virulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes exhibit multiple pathogenic factors. A: They do not have endotoxin-like substances, so this is incorrect. B: They are indeed facultative intracellular bacteria, aiding in their ability to survive and replicate inside host cells. C: They produce hemolysin, which helps them lyse red blood cells. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as all of the above statements are true for virulent strains of Listeria monocytogenes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shigella dysenteriae. It is the likely causative agent because it is a non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rod commonly associated with severe diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae specifically causes bacillary dysentery. Other choices are incorrect because: B: Escherichia coli is a lactose-fermenting bacterium commonly found in the gut and not typically associated with severe diarrhea. C: Salmonella typhi causes typhoid fever, not severe diarrhea. D: Proteus mirabilis is a urease-positive bacterium associated with urinary tract infections, not severe diarrhea.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shigella dysenteriae I. This bacterium is known to produce Shiga toxin, which is responsible for the most severe bacillary infections. The toxin can cause bloody diarrhea and potentially life-threatening complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome. Shigella boydii, flexneri, and sonnei, while also causing bacillary dysentery, do not produce the same level of severity as Shigella dysenteriae I due to the absence of Shiga toxin.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidium coli. Balantidium coli is a large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus, commonly found in the feces of individuals with dysentery symptoms. Its morphology matches the description given in the question, making it the most likely causative agent. Summary of other choices: B: Entamoeba histolytica - This is not the correct answer because Entamoeba histolytica is a small amoeba with no cilia and a different nucleus shape. C: Giardia lamblia - This is not the correct answer as Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoa with a pear-shaped nucleus, different from the description provided. D: Trichomonas hominis - This is not the correct answer as Trichomonas hominis is a flagellated protozoa with multiple flagella and an undulating membrane, which does not match the characteristics of the

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Aminoglycosides. Aminoglycosides are antibiotics that act by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, disrupting protein synthesis in bacteria. This interaction affects the ribosomes directly, leading to inhibition of bacterial protein production. Penicillins (A) work by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, Sulfonamides (C) target folic acid synthesis, and Quinolones (D) inhibit DNA gyrase. These mechanisms do not directly affect the ribosomes, making them incorrect choices in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The Burri-Gins staining technique is used to identify capsule formation in bacteria. Capsules are protective layers around bacteria that can be visualized using this staining method. Capsules are important virulence factors for pathogens like Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. This technique helps in differentiating encapsulated bacteria from non-encapsulated ones. Spore formation (B), acid resistance (C), and alkali resistance (D) are not properties that can be identified using the Burri-Gins technique, making them incorrect choices.