Which ones of the following symptoms are NOT typical for botulism

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because chills, fever, and loss of consciousness are not typical symptoms of botulism. Botulism is characterized by descending, flaccid paralysis (choice A), dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and speaking (choice B), and blurred vision, diplopia (choice D). These symptoms result from the neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Chills, fever, and loss of consciousness are more commonly associated with infections or other conditions, not botulism.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is Gram-positive cocci in clusters, catalase-positive, and coagulase-positive. Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen causing abscesses. Streptococcus pyogenes (B) is Gram-positive cocci in chains, not clusters. Micrococcus luteus (C) is catalase-positive but coagulase-negative. Enterococcus faecalis (D) is catalase-negative and coagulase-negative.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidium coli. This large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus is characteristic of Balantidium coli, an intestinal parasite known to cause foul-smelling diarrhea in humans. Balantidium coli is the only option among the choices that fits this specific description. Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic dysentery, Giardia lamblia causes giardiasis, and Trichomonas hominis is a non-pathogenic protozoa found in the intestinal tract. Therefore, based on the morphology described in the question, Balantidium coli is the correct causative agent.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium is a gram-negative diplococci commonly associated with gonorrhea, which presents with symptoms like painful urination. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is known to infect the urethra in males. Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumoniae are all gram-negative bacteria, but they are not typically associated with urethral discharge or gonorrhea. E. coli is commonly associated with urinary tract infections, Proteus vulgaris with wound infections, and Klebsiella pneumoniae with pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Therefore, based on the patient's symptoms and the characteristics of the bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the most appropriate causative agent in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough is caused by this bacteria, which specifically infects the respiratory tract. Bordetella pertussis produces toxins that lead to the characteristic symptoms of the disease. Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are not the causative agents of whooping cough. Haemophilus influenzae can cause respiratory infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with hospital-acquired infections, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia and other respiratory infections, but none of these bacteria are responsible for whooping cough.