Question 243 of 782

Which of the following is NOT caused by bacteria?

  • A. Cholera
  • B. Gonorrhoea
  • C. Tuberculosis
  • D. Onchoceriasis

Correct Answer: D

Explanation
The correct option is D. Onchocerciasis. Detailed Explanation:
  1. Understanding the Options:
  2. A. Cholera: This is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It primarily affects the intestines and is characterized by severe diarrhea and dehydration.
  3. B. Gonorrhoea: This is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genital tract, rectum, and throat.
  4. C. Tuberculosis: This is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.
  5. D. Onchocerciasis: Also known as river blindness, this disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected blackflies.
  6. Why Option D is Correct:
  7. Onchocerciasis is not caused by bacteria but by a parasitic worm. This is a key distinction because it highlights the difference between bacterial infections and parasitic infections. While bacteria are single-celled organisms that can reproduce independently, parasites like Onchocerca volvulus rely on a host for survival and reproduction.
  8. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:
  9. A. Cholera: This is a well-known bacterial disease, and its causative agent, Vibrio cholerae, is a classic example of a pathogenic bacterium.
  10. B. Gonorrhoea: This is also a bacterial infection, and its causative agent, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a common subject of study in microbiology and infectious disease courses.
  11. C. Tuberculosis: This disease is a major public health concern and is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, another bacterium. It is well-documented in medical literature as a bacterial infection.
  12. Common Pitfalls:
  13. Students may confuse parasitic infections with bacterial infections due to the similarities in how they can affect human health. It’s important to remember that bacteria are distinct from parasites in terms of their biology and the diseases they cause.
  14. Misunderstanding the terminology can lead to errors. For example, knowing that "itis" often refers to inflammation (like in "tuberculosis") can help in identifying bacterial diseases.
Revision Summary:
  • Onchocerciasis is caused by a parasitic worm, not bacteria.
  • Cholera, gonorrhoea, and tuberculosis are all caused by specific bacteria.
  • Understanding the differences between bacteria and parasites is crucial for identifying the causative agents of diseases.
  • Familiarize yourself with common bacterial infections and their characteristics to avoid confusion in exams.
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