Which disease is caused by a bacterium?

Rationale

Strep throat is caused by a bacterium.

Strep throat is an infection caused specifically by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, which leads to its classification as a bacterial disease. This distinguishes it from other diseases in the list, which are caused by viruses or other pathogens.

A (Mumps) YOUR ANSWER

Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, which primarily affects the salivary glands. Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections do not respond to antibiotics and require different treatment approaches focused on symptom relief.

B (Strep throat) CORRECT

Correctly identified as a bacterial infection, strep throat results from Streptococcus pyogenes. This infection is characterized by a sore throat, fever, and is treatable with antibiotics, marking a key difference from viral infections in terms of management and treatment effectiveness.

C (AIDS (HIV+)) YOUR ANSWER

AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is a retrovirus. It attacks the immune system, leading to a range of opportunistic infections and diseases. As a viral disease, it is not caused by bacteria and requires antiretroviral therapy for management.

D (Common cold) YOUR ANSWER

The common cold is primarily caused by rhinoviruses and is characterized by symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and sore throat. As a viral infection, it does not involve bacterial pathogens, thus differentiating it from conditions like strep throat.

Conclusion

Among the choices presented, strep throat stands out as the only disease caused by a bacterium, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes. In contrast, mumps, AIDS, and the common cold are all viral infections, highlighting the importance of identifying the type of pathogen responsible for a disease in determining appropriate treatment strategies. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in both clinical settings and public health.

Which disease is caused by a bacterium?

Strep throat is caused by a bacterium.

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