Which of the following is a key feature of Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acid-fast cell wall. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is characterized by its unique cell wall composition, containing high levels of mycolic acids which make it acid-fast. This property allows it to resist decolorization during acid-fast staining procedures. This distinguishes it from other bacteria. A: Producing spores is not a key feature of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Spore formation is more commonly associated with bacterial species such as Bacillus and Clostridium. B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not Gram-negative. It is classified as acid-fast Gram-positive. D: Mycobacterium tuberculosis does not produce toxins as a key feature. Its pathogenicity is more closely related to its ability to evade host immune responses and persist in host tissues.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is Amebiasis (choice A) because the patient's symptoms of acute gastrointestinal disorders and prolonged stay in an African country suggest exposure to Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amebiasis. This protozoal infection commonly occurs in tropical regions, including Africa. Trypanosomosis (choice B) is caused by Trypanosoma species transmitted by tsetse flies, primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. Leishmaniasis (choice C) is transmitted by sandflies and presents with skin lesions or visceral involvement, not acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Malaria (choice D) is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by mosquitoes and typically presents with fever, not acute gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect based on the patient's clinical presentation and travel history.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bacterial DNA. PCR analysis detects specific DNA sequences, so a positive result for H. pylori indicates the presence of the bacterial DNA in the gastric biopsy specimen. This method identifies the genetic material of the bacterium, not the bacterium itself (choice C) or its toxins (choice B). Additionally, PCR does not directly detect bacterial enzymes (choice D) but rather focuses on genetic material for accurate identification. Therefore, in this case, the detection of H. pylori in the PCR analysis points to the presence of bacterial DNA, confirming the etiology of peptic ulcer disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tularemia. Ticks can transmit tularemia, a bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. Ticks pick up the bacteria when feeding on infected animals and can then transmit it to humans through their bites. Botulism (A) is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, not transmitted by ticks. Anthrax (B) is a bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, typically transmitted through contact with contaminated animal products. MRSA (D) is a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, commonly transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, not by ticks.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp. are common causative agents of nosocomial infections due to their presence on the skin, in the gut, and in healthcare settings. S. aureus and L. monocytogenes (Choice A) are also important pathogens but are less common in nosocomial infections. Enterobacteriaceae (Choice B) are a large family of bacteria that can cause infections but are not as commonly associated with nosocomial infections compared to the organisms in Choice C. The correct answer (Choice C) encompasses pathogens commonly found in healthcare settings, making it the most suitable option.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lysozyme. Lysozyme is an enzyme that targets and breaks down the peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls by cleaving the glycosidic bonds between the sugar components. This action weakens the cell wall, leading to bacterial cell lysis. Amylase (B) breaks down starch, not peptidoglycan. Protease (C) breaks down proteins, not peptidoglycan. Lipase (D) breaks down lipids, not peptidoglycan. Therefore, Lysozyme is the correct enzyme for breaking down peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The normal microflora plays a crucial role in defending against pathogens in the skin and mucus. This is because the skin and mucus act as physical barriers and the normal microflora outcompetes potential pathogens, preventing their colonization. In contrast, the circulatory system (A), hepatobiliary tract (B), and CNS (D) are not typically colonized by normal microflora, so they do not directly contribute to defense against pathogens in those areas.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vibrio cholerae. Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae, a gram-negative bacterium that produces a toxin leading to severe watery diarrhea. Shigella dysenteriae causes dysentery, not cholera. Salmonella enterica causes salmonellosis, not cholera. Clostridium perfringens is associated with food poisoning, not cholera. In summary, Vibrio cholerae is the correct answer because it is the specific bacterium known to cause cholera, while the other choices are associated with different diseases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bordetella pertussis. Bordetella pertussis is the bacterium responsible for causing whooping cough, also known as pertussis. It produces toxins that damage the respiratory tract, leading to severe coughing fits. Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are not associated with whooping cough. Haemophilus influenzae can cause respiratory infections but not whooping cough. Streptococcus pneumoniae is known for causing pneumonia, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, both different from whooping cough. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it is the specific bacterium linked to the disease in question.