Which of the following is a feature of Gram-negative bacteria?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are important in pathogenesis and immune response. This feature is unique to Gram-negative bacteria, distinguishing them from Gram-positive bacteria (choice A). Teichoic acids (choice C) are found in the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria, not Gram-negative. The statement in choice D, absence of a cell wall, is incorrect as all bacteria have a cell wall, although the composition may vary between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. This test is used to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria by measuring the zone of inhibition around antibiotic-soaked paper disks. It helps identify which antibiotics are effective against the bacteria being tested. This test is crucial in guiding antibiotic treatment decisions. A: Gram stain is used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition and morphology, not for antibiotic susceptibility testing. B: Catalase test is used to differentiate between catalase-positive and catalase-negative bacteria, not for antibiotic susceptibility testing. D: Endospore stain is used to detect the presence of endospores in bacteria, not for antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This protozoan causes amoebiasis, which presents with symptoms like diarrhea. The cysts with four nuclei found in the feces are characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica. This protozoan is known to cause invasive infection, leading to tissue destruction and ulcers in the intestines. Lamblia (choice B) typically presents with cysts containing two nuclei. Trichomonas (choice C) is a sexually transmitted parasite and does not form cysts. Balantidium (choice D) is a ciliated protozoan that does not have four nuclei in its cyst form.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of rods with polar dark blue granules stained by Neisser's method indicates metachromatic granules consistent with Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The characteristic staining pattern is due to the presence of polar granules in the bacterial cells, a feature specific to Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium tetani, and Escherichia coli do not exhibit this staining pattern or morphology typical of Corynebacterium diphtheriae, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is a common causative agent of skin infections like carbuncles. Staphylococcus aureus is known for its ability to produce pus-filled abscesses, which aligns with the symptoms described in the question. The presence of a vesicular rash around the carbuncle further supports this diagnosis, as Staphylococcus aureus can cause skin lesions. The other choices are not correct because: A: Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, which presents with different symptoms such as fever, malaise, and respiratory symptoms. C: Bacillus subtilis is a harmless soil bacterium commonly used in research and not known to cause skin infections. D: Bacillus anthracoides is not a known pathogen and is not associated with human infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: cytomegalovirus. CMV is the most common virus transmitted during pregnancy, leading to potential serious complications for the fetus. It can cause birth defects, hearing loss, and developmental delays. CMV is commonly spread through bodily fluids. HIV (B) can also be transmitted during pregnancy but is less common. Herpes simplex virus (C) can be transmitted but typically results in localized infection. Epstein-Barr virus (D) is not commonly transmitted during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protozoa. Protozoa are eukaryotic microorganisms, meaning they have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. This relates to the question as eukaryotes are organisms with complex cells containing these features. Viruses (B) are non-living entities that require a host cell to replicate, lacking cellular structures. Viroids (C) are smaller than viruses and consist of only RNA, lacking a protein coat. Prions (D) are misfolded proteins causing diseases but are not considered microorganisms nor do they have cellular structure. Thus, protozoa are the only eukaryotic microorganism group among the options.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fimbriae. Fimbriae are hair-like appendages found on the surface of bacteria that enable attachment to host cells. This attachment is crucial for establishing infection. Flagella (A) are used for movement, not attachment. Capsules (C) provide protection and help evade the host immune system, but do not directly facilitate attachment. Endospores (D) are dormant structures for survival, not for attachment to host cells. Fimbriae specifically aid in adherence to host cells, making them the correct choice in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Outer membrane with lipopolysaccharides. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are important in pathogenesis and immune response. This feature is unique to Gram-negative bacteria, distinguishing them from Gram-positive bacteria (choice A). Teichoic acids (choice C) are found in the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria, not Gram-negative. The statement in choice D, absence of a cell wall, is incorrect as all bacteria have a cell wall, although the composition may vary between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.