Textbook Question
A microbe that causes disease is called a __________ .
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21. Principles of Disease
Characteristics of Infectious Disease
4:01 minutesProblem 4
Textbook Question
A bacterium associated with bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia in newborns is
a. Staphylococcus aureus
b. Staphylococcus epidermidis
c. Streptococcus pyogenes
d. Streptococcus agalactiae
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the clinical conditions mentioned: bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the blood), meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), and pneumonia (lung infection). These are serious infections, especially in newborns.
Step 2: Review the characteristics and common diseases caused by each bacterium listed: Staphylococcus aureus is often associated with skin infections and sometimes pneumonia; Staphylococcus epidermidis is usually a skin commensal and opportunistic pathogen; Streptococcus pyogenes is known for causing pharyngitis and skin infections; Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus) is a well-known cause of neonatal infections including bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia.
Step 3: Recall that Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) is the primary pathogen linked to serious infections in newborns, often transmitted from mother to infant during birth.
Step 4: Compare the options with the clinical context: since the question focuses on newborn infections involving bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia, the bacterium most commonly associated with these in newborns is Streptococcus agalactiae.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the bacterium known for neonatal infections, which is Streptococcus agalactiae.
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Video duration:
4mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Neonatal Infections
Neonatal infections are diseases occurring in newborns, often caused by bacteria transmitted during birth or shortly after. Common infections include bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia, which can be life-threatening and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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Map of Lesson on Bacteriophage Infections
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus)
Streptococcus agalactiae, or Group B Streptococcus, is a leading cause of serious infections in newborns, including bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia. It colonizes the maternal genital tract and can be transmitted to infants during delivery.
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Differentiation of Bacterial Pathogens
Identifying the specific bacterial species responsible for infections is crucial for treatment. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus agalactiae differ in their pathogenicity, typical infection sites, and clinical significance, especially in neonates.
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