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: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in adults. It is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is known for its ability to infect the respiratory tract and cause inflammation in the lungs leading to pneumonia. Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, not pneumonia. Escherichia coli is associated with urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal illnesses, not pneumonia. Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, a severe form of food poisoning, but not pneumonia. Therefore, the correct choice is Streptococcus pneumoniae as it is specifically known for causing pneumonia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: IgA. IgA is the most prominent immunoglobulin class present in external secretions like saliva, tears, and mucus. It plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity by preventing pathogens from entering the body. IgG is mainly found in the blood and tissues, IgM is the first antibody produced in response to an infection, and IgE is involved in allergic reactions. IgA's presence in external secretions helps protect the body from infections at mucosal surfaces, making it the correct choice in this context.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Herpangina. Family Parvoviridae includes Parvovirus B19, which causes Fifth disease, aplastic crisis in chronic anemia, and fetal infections. Herpangina is caused by Enteroviruses, not Parvoviridae. Parvovirus B19 specifically targets erythroid progenitor cells, leading to anemia in susceptible individuals. Fetal infections can result in hydrops fetalis. Aplastic crisis occurs in patients with chronic anemia due to suppression of erythropoiesis by the virus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of these. HBV, HCV, and HDV can all lead to chronic carrier states due to their ability to establish persistent infections in the liver. HBV can result in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. HCV can also lead to chronic hepatitis and liver damage. HDV is a defective virus that requires HBV for replication and can worsen the outcome of HBV infection, potentially leading to chronic liver disease. Therefore, all three viruses have the potential to cause chronic carrier states.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani. Both bacteria produce exotoxins that affect the nervous system. Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin, causing botulism, leading to muscle paralysis. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin, causing tetanus, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms. Choice B (Escherichia coli and Salmonella) are known for causing gastrointestinal infections, not specifically affecting the nervous system. Choice C (Bacillus anthracis and Listeria monocytogenes) produce toxins that primarily affect other body systems, not the nervous system. Choice D (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) are associated with skin and respiratory infections, not neurological effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria. Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium, as it retains the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process. The bacteria are rod-shaped, not spherical. Choice A is incorrect as Listeria monocytogenes is not Gram-negative. Choice D is incorrect as Listeria monocytogenes does fall under the category of Gram-positive bacteria. The key is to remember the characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes, which are Gram-positive and rod-shaped.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Endoplasmic reticulum. Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum, which is present in eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotes do possess ribosomes for protein synthesis (A), a chromosome (C) for genetic material, and peptidoglycan (D) in their cell walls. The absence of endoplasmic reticulum is a key characteristic that distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells.