Which type of bacteria is capable of fixing nitrogen?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, promoting plant growth. Denitrifying bacteria (B) convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen. Photosynthetic bacteria (C) use photosynthesis to produce energy and don't fix nitrogen. Fermentative bacteria (D) break down organic compounds without fixing nitrogen. In summary, only nitrogen-fixing bacteria (A) play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Chlorhexidine belongs to the group of biguanides, making choice A accurate. Step 2: It is commonly used for disinfection of hands, skin, and mucous membranes. Step 3: It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, making it widely applicable. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as chlorhexidine is not classified as an alcohol. Choice C is incorrect as chlorhexidine has various applications. Choice D is incorrect as chlorhexidine is generally safe for use with low toxicity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin causing tetanus. It enters the body through wounds and affects the nervous system. A: Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin causing botulism, not tetanus. C: Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, not tetanus. D: Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, not tetanus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lamblia. The presence of big pyriform cells with two nuclei in the duodenal contents indicates Giardia lamblia infection. This parasite is commonly found in contaminated water and causes symptoms like poor appetite and abdominal pain. Trichomonas, Amoeba, Trypanosoma, and Toxoplasma are not typically associated with these findings and symptoms. Therefore, Lamblia is the most likely microorganism based on the clinical presentation and microscopic examination results.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: acidic pH. The reproductive tract's acidic pH serves as a defense mechanism by creating an environment hostile to many pathogens, preventing microbial infection. The acidic pH helps to inhibit the growth and survival of harmful microorganisms. A: Alkaline pH would actually be more favorable for microbial growth as most pathogens thrive in neutral to alkaline pH environments. C: High sugar concentration can actually promote microbial growth as many pathogens feed on sugars. D: High body temperature may help in some cases, but it is not as effective as an acidic pH in preventing microbial infection in the reproductive tract.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Bacillus cereus is known to cause food poisoning due to the production of toxins in contaminated food. It is not the causative agent of anthrax or endocarditis. The correct answer is B because Bacillus cereus is commonly associated with foodborne illnesses, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's essential to understand the specific characteristics and pathogenicity of Bacillus cereus to differentiate it from other bacterial infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gram staining. This method is used to differentiate bacteria based on their cell wall composition. In cholera, the causative agent is Vibrio cholerae, which is Gram-negative. By performing Gram staining, the bacteria will appear pink/red under the microscope, confirming the presence of Gram-negative bacteria. Choice B: Neisser's staining is used for staining capsules of bacteria, not suitable for confirming cholera diagnosis. Choice C: Ziehl-Neelsen staining is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not for confirming cholera diagnosis. Choice D: Burri-Gins staining is not a standard staining method in microbiology and is not relevant for confirming cholera diagnosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: prions. Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause spongiform encephalopathy by inducing normal proteins to misfold as well. Prions lack genetic material, distinguishing them from viruses (B), bacteria (C), and fungi (D), which all contain genetic material and cannot directly cause spongiform encephalopathy through protein misfolding.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Salmonella typhi. The patient's symptoms of diarrhea and the characteristics of non-lactose-fermenting, Gram-negative rods that are oxidase-positive and fermentative are consistent with Salmonella typhi. Salmonella typhi is the causative agent of typhoid fever, which presents with symptoms like diarrhea. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (choice A) is oxidase-positive but not fermentative. Escherichia coli (choice B) is both lactose-fermenting and oxidase-negative. Shigella dysenteriae (choice D) is oxidase-negative. Therefore, Salmonella typhi is the most likely causative agent based on the given information.