Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What disease is caused by streptococci bacteria?

1. Pneumonia

2. Blood poisoning

3. Diphtheria

4. Tuberculosis

The correct answer is: Blood poisoning

The disease caused by streptococci bacteria is indeed blood poisoning, also known as sepsis or septicemia. Streptococci are a group of bacteria that can lead to various infections, and when they enter the bloodstream, they can cause a serious condition characterized by the presence of bacteria in the blood, leading to widespread inflammation and the potential for organ failure. This is a critical sub-type of infection that requires prompt medical attention. Other options listed, such as pneumonia, diphtheria, and tuberculosis, are primarily caused by different pathogens. Pneumonia is often attributed to bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae as well as viruses, but refers broadly to an inflammation of the lungs. Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thus, while streptococci are associated with a wide range of conditions, their direct link to blood poisoning highlights the necessity of understanding different bacterial infections.