OpenStax Microbiology Test Bank

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Loefler. This staining method is used for identifying Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the causative agent of diphtheria. It involves using methylene blue and basic fuchsin to stain the bacteria. The yellow bacilli with blue grains at their ends indicate the characteristic appearance of C. diphtheriae when stained using the Loefler method. Choice A: Ziehl-Nielsen is used for acid-fast bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Choice B: Kozlovsky is not a standard staining method in microbiology. Choice C: Romanovsky is used for blood smears to identify malaria parasites.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Giardia lamblia. Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan with two nuclei, known as the "falling leaf" appearance. It causes diarrhea in humans through ingestion of contaminated water or food. Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic dysentery, characterized by bloody diarrhea and colitis. Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted protozoan causing vaginal discharge but is not found in stool. Balantidium coli is a ciliated protozoan causing diarrhea but does not have flagellated forms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Antitoxic passive immunity. Antibotulinic serum contains pre-formed antibodies against the botulinum toxin, providing immediate protection to the patient. This is passive immunity as the patient does not produce their antibodies but receives them externally. Choice B is incorrect as botulism is not an infection, so the patient does not develop infection immunity. Choice C is incorrect because active immunity involves the body producing its antibodies after exposure to an antigen, which is not the case here. Choice D is incorrect as antimicrobic immunity relates to protection against microbes, not toxins like in botulism.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, as all options A, B, and C are determinants of antigenicity. A: Chemical nature influences how the immune system recognizes antigens. B: The size of the antigen affects its ability to be recognized by immune cells. C: Antigens of foreign origin are more likely to trigger an immune response. Therefore, all of these factors together play a crucial role in determining antigenicity.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: thimerosal. Thimerosal is a mercury-containing compound used as a preservative in vaccines. It helps prevent contamination and growth of bacteria and fungi in multi-dose vials. Choice A, analgesic, refers to pain relievers, not preservatives. Choice B, EDTA, is a chelating agent used to bind metal ions and is not a preservative. Choice C, codeine, is an opioid pain medication and not a preservative used in vaccines. Thimerosal is the correct answer as it specifically fits the description of a mercury-containing compound used in vaccines.