Which of the following is a preferred mode of transmission of HIV from a mother to a child

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because HIV can be transmitted from a mother to a child through multiple modes: during delivery through mixing of blood, during pregnancy through the placenta, and via breastmilk during lactation. Each mode presents a risk of transmission due to the presence of the virus in bodily fluids. Therefore, all of the above options are preferred modes of transmission for HIV from a mother to a child. Choices A, B, and C alone do not fully encompass all the possible routes of transmission, making them incorrect.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Yeast-like fungi of Candida genus. Candida is a common cause of oral thrush/stomatitis, characterized by mucosal lesions with white coating. The presence of large oval Gram-positive cells is indicative of Candida species. Actinomycetes (B) are filamentous bacteria and not oval Gram-positive cells. Streptococci (C) are spherical bacteria, not oval, and are not commonly associated with stomatitis. Oral spirochetes (D) are spiral-shaped bacteria and not oval Gram-positive cells typically seen in Candida infections. Thus, A is the correct choice based on the characteristic morphology and clinical presentation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because HIV can be transmitted from a mother to a child through multiple modes: during delivery through mixing of blood, during pregnancy through the placenta, and via breastmilk during lactation. Each mode presents a risk of transmission due to the presence of the virus in bodily fluids. Therefore, all of the above options are preferred modes of transmission for HIV from a mother to a child. Choices A, B, and C alone do not fully encompass all the possible routes of transmission, making them incorrect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because diphtheria is primarily spread through respiratory droplets and physical contact with an infected person. The bacteria responsible for diphtheria is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or sharing personal items. Swimming in contaminated water (A) does not spread diphtheria. Transmission (B) is a broad term and does not specifically address the mode of transmission for diphtheria. Contaminated food (D) is not a typical route of diphtheria transmission. Therefore, option C is the most accurate choice based on the known mode of transmission for diphtheria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is known for producing a capsule that helps it evade the immune system. The capsule acts as a protective barrier, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and attack the bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia and meningitis. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: Escherichia coli does not typically produce a capsule for immune evasion. It is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal infections. C: Salmonella enterica also does not produce a capsule for immune evasion. It is known for causing foodborne illness. D: Bacillus subtilis is a soil bacterium that is not known for producing a capsule to avoid the immune system.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because retroviruses, including those in the Family Retroviridae, have a capsid consisting of two copies of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA). This is a defining characteristic of retroviruses, which use reverse transcriptase to convert their ssRNA into DNA. This DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Family Retroviridae viruses are not helical non-enveloped viruses (C), they are not helical enveloped viruses (A), and they do not have a complex type of symmetry (D).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because cultural characteristics of bacteria refer to their growth patterns on different culture media, including liquid and solid agars. Bacteria exhibit unique growth patterns that can be observed and studied on these media. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to isolation techniques, not cultural characteristics. Choice B is incorrect as it describes metabolic activities, not cultural characteristics. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the essential aspect of bacterial growth on culture media.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Beta lactamase. This enzyme is produced by bacteria to break down the beta-lactam ring structure of penicillins, rendering them ineffective. Beta lactam ring (A) is part of the penicillin molecule, not an enzyme. MRSA (B) stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, not an enzyme. Aminoglycoside ring (D) refers to a different class of antibiotics and is not related to penicillin resistance in bacteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spores. In the Ozheshko staining method, spores appear blue with red terminal components. Spores are reproductive structures produced by some bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Cilia are short, hair-like structures used for movement. Flagella are long, whip-like structures also used for movement. Capsules are outer protective layers surrounding some bacteria. In this case, the description of rod-like microorganisms with blue staining and red terminal components aligns with the characteristics of spores, making it the correct answer.