Which of the following pathogens can cause meningitis?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for choice C (Strep. pneumoniae): 1. Strep. pneumoniae is a common cause of bacterial meningitis. 2. It is a leading pathogen responsible for meningitis in adults and children. 3. It can invade the bloodstream and reach the meninges, causing inflammation. 4. Treatment guidelines often include antibiotics effective against Strep. pneumoniae. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A. Staph. aureus is not a common cause of meningitis. B. Strep. pyogenes typically causes streptococcal infections but not meningitis. D. "None of the above" is incorrect as Strep. pneumoniae can cause meningitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Itraconazole. Itraconazole is an antifungal medication commonly used to treat candidosis. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. This action disrupts the integrity of the fungal cell membrane, leading to cell death. Griseofulvin (B) is primarily used to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails, not mucous membranes. Nitrofungin (C) is not commonly used for candidosis treatment. Amphotericin (D) is a potent antifungal medication but is typically reserved for severe or systemic fungal infections due to its potential side effects.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: mRNA. mRNA carries the genetic code from the DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs. It serves as a template for protein synthesis by specifying the order of amino acids. tRNA (choice B) brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. rRNA (choice C) is a structural component of ribosomes. snRNA (choice D) is involved in RNA processing and splicing, not protein synthesis. Therefore, choice A is correct as it directly carries the genetic code for protein synthesis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This protozoon is responsible for causing amoebic dysentery, which presents with bloody diarrhea. The "raspberry jelly" appearance of stool is due to the presence of mucosal lining and blood. The large mononuclear cells with absorbed red blood cells are characteristic of the histopathology of Entamoeba histolytica infection. Giardia lamblia (B) causes watery diarrhea, not bloody stools. Campylobacter jejuni (C) is a bacterial pathogen associated with gastroenteritis, but does not typically cause bloody diarrhea. Toxoplasma gondii (D) causes toxoplasmosis, a systemic infection with symptoms such as fever and lymphadenopathy, but not bloody diarrhea.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because an anticodon is a nucleotide triplet in a tRNA molecule that pairs with a complementary codon on mRNA during translation. Step 1: Anticodons are found in tRNA, not in DNA or mRNA. Step 2: Anticodons specifically bind to codons on mRNA to ensure correct amino acid incorporation into the growing polypeptide chain, making option D the most accurate choice. Option A is incorrect as replication does not involve anticodons. Option B is incorrect because codons, not anticodons, are found on mRNA molecules. Option C is incorrect as it describes a codon on DNA, not an anticodon on tRNA.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: TRUE. The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against infections and is always active, providing immediate protection without prior exposure to a specific pathogen. It includes physical barriers, such as skin and mucous membranes, and cellular components like phagocytes and natural killer cells. The innate immune response is nonspecific and rapid, providing a crucial initial defense against pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because the innate immune system is always active, even without any prior exposure to pathogens. Choice C is incorrect because the innate immune system is consistently functioning to protect the body, regardless of the situation. Choice D is incorrect as the correct answer is A.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because polio viruses are primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory secretions. Feces contain the highest concentration of the virus, while nasopharyngeal swabs and cerebrospinal fluid can also contain the virus. Blood, sputum, and urine do not typically contain high levels of polio virus. Choice A is incorrect as bile content is not a common site for polio virus isolation. Choice C is incorrect because only testing feces may not provide a comprehensive picture of the infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bordetella pertussis. This bacterium is known for causing whooping cough due to its ability to produce toxins that damage the respiratory tract, leading to severe coughing fits. Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae can cause respiratory infections but not whooping cough, and Staphylococcus aureus is more commonly associated with skin infections. Therefore, A is the correct choice based on its specific association with the disease in question.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. This pathogen is known to cause amoebic dysentery, characterized by diarrhea with bloody or mucoid stools. The presence of cysts with four nuclei in the stool microscopy is a characteristic feature of Entamoeba histolytica. Other choices are incorrect because Giardia lamblia typically presents with binucleate cysts, Balantidium coli is a ciliated protozoan, and Trichomonas hominis is a non-pathogenic parasite found in the human intestine.