Which structure protects bacteria from phagocytosis?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Capsule. Capsules are a protective layer outside the bacterial cell wall that helps bacteria evade phagocytosis by immune cells. The capsule inhibits phagocytic cells from engulfing the bacteria, making it difficult for them to be recognized and destroyed. A: Flagella - Flagella are not involved in protecting bacteria from phagocytosis. They are responsible for bacterial movement. C: Endospore - Endospores are dormant, resistant structures formed by some bacteria in response to harsh conditions. They do not directly protect against phagocytosis. D: Pili - Pili are hair-like structures used for adhesion and conjugation, not for protection against phagocytosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Streptococcus mutans is known for its ability to produce acids that contribute to the demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to dental caries. Step 2: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections, not dental caries. Step 3: Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, a serious bacterial infection, not dental caries. Step 4: Clostridium botulinum causes botulism, a severe form of food poisoning, not dental caries. Summary: Streptococcus mutans is the correct answer as it is specifically associated with causing dental caries, while the other choices are linked to different diseases.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: heterotrophic. Fungi are heterotrophic organisms that obtain nutrients by absorbing organic compounds from their environment. They do not produce their own food through photosynthesis (option A: autotrophic) or chemosynthesis (option B: chemotrophic). Fungi also do not rely on light for energy (option D: phototrophic). Therefore, the correct choice is C as it accurately describes the nutritional mode of fungi.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, chemotherapy combined with surgical therapy. Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection that requires a combination of antibiotics to target the bacteria and surgery to remove abscesses or infected tissues. Antibiotics alone may not penetrate abscesses effectively. Waiting for self-clearance can lead to complications. Surgical treatment alone may not eradicate the infection entirely. Therefore, the most effective therapeutic plan is to combine chemotherapy to treat the infection systemically and surgery to remove localized infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium is the most likely causative agent based on the description of Gram-positive cocci in pairs with a capsule. S. pneumoniae is known for its characteristic morphology and the presence of a capsule, which helps in evading the immune system. It commonly causes pneumonia, especially in patients with a productive cough and fever. Incorrect choices: B: Klebsiella pneumoniae typically presents with a mucoid capsule and is associated with pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. C: Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative diplococcus and is more commonly associated with meningitis and septicemia. D: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive cocci, but it does not typically present in pairs with a capsule and is more commonly associated with skin and soft tissue infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because immunofluorescence slides are examined under a fluorescence microscope with a x100 oil immersion objective. This is because immunofluorescence relies on the detection of fluorescently labeled antibodies, which emit light when excited by a specific wavelength. Using a fluorescence microscope allows for visualization of these labeled antibodies at high magnification and resolution, enabling precise examination of cellular structures and protein localization. Choice B is incorrect as light microscopes are not suitable for visualizing fluorescence. Choice C is incorrect as electron microscopes use electrons, not light, for imaging, which is not compatible with immunofluorescence. Choice D is incorrect as there is a specific method for examining immunofluorescence slides.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococcus. These microorganisms are commonly found in high concentrations during sanitary and bacteriological examination of air in a drugstore due to their prevalence in the environment. Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococcus are known to be significant pathogens that can cause various infections in humans. Rationale: 1. Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococcus are common pathogens found in the environment and can easily contaminate air in enclosed spaces like a drugstore. 2. Both microorganisms are considered to be of sanitary significance as they can cause infections and are indicators of poor hygiene and sanitation. 3. Diphtheritic and tuberculous bacilli (Choice B) are not typically associated with air contamination in a drugstore setting. 4. Colibacilli and blue pus bacilli (Choice C) are more commonly found in fecal

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because there is specific prophylaxis available for influenza, such as the flu vaccine. Choice A is incorrect as influenza viruses are not spherical, they are typically pleomorphic. Choice B is incorrect because hemagglutinin and neuraminidase are indeed antigenically variable, contributing to the need for annual flu vaccines. Choice C is incorrect as the susceptibility of the population to influenza viruses can vary depending on factors such as immunity and vaccination status.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the NSP4 nonstructural protein of rotaviruses indeed acts in a toxic-like manner by disrupting calcium homeostasis, leading to diarrhea. Choice B is incorrect as rotaviruses can cause significant disease in infants, but not typically in adults. Choice C is incorrect as rotaviruses are resistant to stomach acid. Choice D is incorrect as rotaviruses cause a net secretion of water and loss of ions, contributing to diarrhea.