medical microbiology test bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because both Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are bacteria that can cause tuberculosis in humans. Mycobacterium bovis primarily infects animals but can be transmitted to humans, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main causative agent of tuberculosis in humans. Therefore, both choices A and B are correct. Choice D is incorrect because we know that Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are causative agents of tuberculosis in humans.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the presence of calcium dipicolinate in bacterial spores helps protect their DNA from damage under harsh conditions. Calcium dipicolinate acts as a stabilizer, preserving the spore structure. Choice A is incorrect as bacterial spores have a tough protein coat, not a lipid-rich membrane. Choice C is incorrect as bacterial spores have very low metabolic activity. Choice D is incorrect as bacterial spores have low water content to prevent damage during harsh conditions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because all of the symptoms mentioned (short period of depression, nausea, restlessness) can be early signs of rabies. Rabies typically presents with a variety of non-specific symptoms in the early stages, including behavioral changes such as depression and restlessness, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea. Therefore, it is important to consider the combination of these symptoms collectively rather than individually when suspecting rabies. Choices A, B, and C alone may not definitively indicate rabies, but when seen together, they should raise suspicion and prompt further evaluation and testing for rabies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sporadic disease. When an infection occurs in several persons without any epidemiological link, it is considered sporadic. This term is used to describe isolated cases that do not form a specific pattern or cluster. It indicates random occurrences and lack of connection between the affected individuals. A: Epidemic refers to a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease within a specific population or region, usually linked by a common source or exposure. C: Endemic signifies the constant presence of a disease within a specific population or region, with cases occurring at a relatively stable rate. D: Pandemic indicates a global outbreak of a disease affecting a large number of people across multiple countries or continents.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pulmonary tuberculosis. The presence of red bacilli stained with Ziehl-Nielsen method indicates acid-fast bacteria, which are characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. The size and appearance of the bacilli described match those of M. tuberculosis. Chronic pneumonia, along with the specific staining pattern, strongly suggests tuberculosis as the likely diagnosis. Explanation for other choices: A: Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which would not show red bacilli on Ziehl-Nielsen staining. B: Pulmonary actinomycosis is caused by Actinomyces species, not acid-fast bacteria like M. tuberculosis. C: Pulmonary candidiasis is caused by Candida species, which are fungi and do not appear as red bacilli on staining.