Which of the following media is used to isolate Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thayer-Martin agar. This selective media contains antibiotics that inhibit the growth of other organisms while allowing Neisseria gonorrhoeae to grow. The antibiotics in Thayer-Martin agar include vancomycin, colistin, nystatin, and trimethoprim, which target different types of bacteria, ensuring the isolation of N. gonorrhoeae. Phenylethyl alcohol agar (A) is used to isolate gram-positive organisms, not N. gonorrhoeae. MacConkey agar (C) is selective for gram-negative enteric bacteria. Mannitol salt agar (D) is used for isolating Staphylococcus species based on their ability to ferment mannitol.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because nosocomial infections can be transmitted through various routes, including air droplets, fecal-oral mechanism, contact mechanism, and parenteral mechanism. Air droplets can carry infectious agents through the air, while contact with contaminated surfaces or individuals can spread infections. Fecal-oral transmission occurs through ingesting contaminated food or water. Parenteral transmission involves the introduction of pathogens directly into the bloodstream. Therefore, all the options listed in D are correct routes for transmission of nosocomial infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not encompass all possible routes of transmission for nosocomial infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium perfringens. Clostridium perfringens is a gram-positive spore-forming bacillus commonly found in soil. It produces hemolysis on blood agar, as described in the question. Clostridium botulinum is also a gram-positive spore-forming bacillus, but it does not typically cause hemolysis. Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive cocci, not a bacillus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium, not a gram-positive spore-forming bacillus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium plays a key role in acne formation by colonizing hair follicles, leading to inflammation and acne lesions. It produces fatty acids that contribute to the development of acne. Staphylococcus aureus (A) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (B) are not directly linked to acne. Streptococcus pyogenes (C) is associated with skin infections but not acne. In summary, Propionibacterium acnes is the primary bacterium responsible for acne due to its ability to induce inflammation and follicular blockages.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 1-2 years. Rabies has a long incubation period before symptoms appear due to the slow progression of the virus within the body. The virus travels along nerve fibers to the brain, which can take months to years. During this time, the virus replicates and spreads, eventually leading to symptoms. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they underestimate the incubation period of rabies. Symptoms typically do not appear as early as 48 hours, 1 week, or 1 month after infection with the rabies virus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thermophiles. Thermophiles are bacteria that thrive in high temperatures, typically between 45-80 degrees Celsius. They have adapted to extreme heat environments and have enzymes that function optimally at high temperatures. Mesophiles (A) grow best at moderate temperatures, Psychrophiles (B) thrive in cold temperatures, and Halophiles (D) thrive in high salt concentrations. Therefore, only Thermophiles are specifically adapted to high temperatures, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Enteropathogenic E. Coli (EPEC). EPEC bacteria adhere to the intestine wall using a protein called intimin, leading to microvilli damage. This attachment disrupts the normal absorption function of the intestine. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Enterohemorrhagic E. Coli (EHEC) primarily causes bloody diarrhea and does not specifically target microvilli. C: Enterotoxigenic E. Coli (ETEC) produces toxins that lead to watery diarrhea but does not directly target microvilli. D: Enteroinvasive E. Coli (EIEC) invades and replicates within intestinal cells, causing inflammatory diarrhea, but does not specifically damage microvilli.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bacillus anthracoides. 1. The patient's symptoms align with cutaneous anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis. 2. Presence of immobile streptobacilli able of capsulation matches the characteristics of Bacillus anthracis. 3. Symptoms such as black crust, peripheral vesicular rash, and non-painful edema are classic for cutaneous anthrax. 4. Choice A: Bacillus antracis is a misspelling, not a valid option. 5. Choice B: Staphylococcus aureus does not match the symptoms described in the scenario. 6. Choice D: Bacillus megaterium is not associated with cutaneous anthrax.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: simple diffusion. In simple diffusion, molecules move from an area of high concentration to low concentration without the need for energy input. Hydrostatic pressure is a form of passive transport that drives molecules to equalize concentration. Filtration (A) involves the movement of solutes through a membrane under pressure. Exocytosis (B) is the process by which cells release substances outside the cell using energy. Osmosis (C) is the movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane. Therefore, simple diffusion is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.