Question

Lymphogranuloma venereum is caused by serovars of a. Neisseria gonorrhoeae. b. Chlamydia trachomatis. c. Treponema pallidum. d. Haemophilis ducreyi.

Short answer

Lymphogranuloma venereum is caused by serovars of b. Chlamydia trachomatis.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the causative agent of Lymphogranuloma venereum

Lymphogranuloma venereum is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a particular type of bacteria. The task is to determine which of the listed organisms is responsible for this condition.

Selection of the correct serovars

Identify the correct serovars that cause Lymphogranuloma venereum among the options provided. Serovars refer to distinct variations within a species of bacteria or virus, distinguished by the immune response to such pathogens.

Recall the causative organisms and associated diseases

Recall or research the diseases associated with each listed bacterial organism to correctly associate Lymphogranuloma venereum with the appropriate pathogen.

Choose the correct answer

Based on the information regarding sexually transmitted infections and their causative agents, select the one that is recognized to cause Lymphogranuloma venereum.

Key concepts

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections primarily spread through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and have a range of symptoms and effects, from mild irritations to severe, life-threatening conditions.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an STI caused by certain serovars of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It presents with symptoms such as sores, enlarged lymph nodes, and, if untreated, can lead to chronic inflammation and significant complications. It is vital for sexually active individuals to have regular health screenings, engage in safer sex practices, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise to manage these infections.

Bacterial Serovars

Bacterial serovars are distinct variations within a single species of bacteria that elicit different immune responses in the body. This matters greatly in microbiology and epidemiology because identifying the specific serovar is crucial for disease diagnosis, treatment, and understanding the transmission of infections.

For example, the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium has various serovars, some of which are responsible for the sexually transmitted infection LGV. Other serovars of the same bacterium can cause different conditions, such as trachoma, an eye disease. Identifying the correct serovar involved in an infection helps healthcare professionals to administer the most effective treatments and provides insights into the potential complications for the patient.

Microbiology Education

Microbiology education focuses on teaching students about microorganisms and their roles in health, disease, and the environment. It covers a broad range of topics, from the genetics and biochemistry of microorganisms to the way they interact with their hosts.

In the context of STIs, microbiology education provides essential knowledge about the pathogens involved, how they spread, and their impact on human health. Students learn about the use of laboratory techniques to identify pathogens and gain an understanding of the importance of treating and preventing infections to maintain public health. With the growing issue of antibiotic resistance, education in microbiology is becoming increasingly important to address the challenges of infectious diseases.