A Pathologist Claims It's Much Easier to Determine the Causative

question 41

Multiple Choice

A pathologist claims it's much easier to determine the causative agent of meningitis than an infection of the skin or intestines. Is this true? Why or why not?

• A) It's not true-an infection is an infection, and it's always difficult to track down the exact causative agent. The organ system involved in the illness has nothing to do with identification of the causative agent.
• B) It's true-because the central nervous system (CNS) is generally microbe free, whereas the skin and intestines have a diverse normal flora. Separating out a pathogenic causative agent from the normal flora in these areas would be much harder to do than in the CNS.
• C) It's not true-the ventricles of the brain can provide a direct route for microbes to enter the central nervous system (CNS) from the bloodstream/extracellular fluid. Therefore, it would be just as likely to find a pathogenic microbe in the CNS as it would be in the skin or intestines.
• D) It's true-there are only 1 or 2 microbes that can cause meningitis, yet there are hundreds (if not thousands) that can cause skin/intestinal infections. This makes it much easier to determine the causative agent for a case of meningitis.

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Definitions:

Collective Consciousness

is a term developed by Émile Durkheim to describe the set of shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society.

People's Beliefs

The various convictions or acceptances that individuals hold as true, often based on personal experiences, culture, or religion.

Social Currents

Broad, diffuse movements within society that influence collective behavior and beliefs without a formal organizational structure.

Organic Solidarity

A social cohesion based on the dependence individuals have on each other in more advanced societies, according to Durkheim.