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Multiple Choice
Which of the following sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is NOT caused by a virus?
A
Genital herpes
B
HIV/AIDS
C
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
D
Syphilis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the nature of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and their causative agents. STDs can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. In this case, the question asks to identify the STD that is NOT caused by a virus.
Review the causative agents of the listed STDs: Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV/AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is caused by the human papillomavirus.
Learn about syphilis: Syphilis is an STD caused by a bacterium called *Treponema pallidum*. This distinguishes it from the other STDs listed, which are caused by viruses.
Compare the causative agents: Since syphilis is caused by a bacterium and the other STDs listed are caused by viruses, syphilis is the correct answer to the question.
Conclude that understanding the causative agents of diseases is essential for identifying their classification and treatment options. Syphilis, being bacterial, is treated with antibiotics, unlike viral STDs which often require antiviral medications or vaccines.