In which of the following is bacteraemia LEAST likely to occur?
a. Anthrax
b. Brucellosis
c. Diphtheria
d. Miliary tuberculosis
e. Subacute bacterial endocarditis.
The correct answer is (c) Diphtheria.
Bacteremia, or the presence of bacteria in the blood, is least likely to occur in Diphtheria. Here’s why:
– Diphtheria is an infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which primarily affects the respiratory tract, causing a localized infection.
– The bacteria typically remain in the throat and do not enter the bloodstream, making bacteremia uncommon in diphtheria.
In contrast, the other options are more likely to be associated with bacteremia:
– Anthrax (a) can cause bacteremia, especially if left untreated.
– Brucellosis (b) is a zoonotic infection that can cause bacteremia and infect various organs.
– Miliary tuberculosis (d) is a disseminated form of TB that can cause bacteremia and affect multiple organs.