Syphilis, an STI, Was Once Treated by Intentionally Infecting the Patient

question 89

Multiple Choice

Syphilis, an STI, was once treated by intentionally infecting the patient with the parasite that causes malaria, a disease characterized by repeated bouts of fever, shaking, and chills. Why might this treatment cure syphilis?

• A) Malaria parasites produce strong antibacterial compounds (since they're eukaryotic in nature-they are trying to eliminate their competition for resources). This helps to eliminate ALL bacteria in and on the human body for a short period of time.
• B) Malaria parasites track down and feed upon ALL bacterial cells in the human body as a part of their life cycle. This makes them a "natural antibiotic" of sorts, and highly effective at clearing the bacterial infection of syphilis.
• C) One of the side effects of malarial infection is a massive overproduction of macrophages. This drives up the ability to ingest and destroy any microbe, including the bacterium that causes syphilis.
• D) The effect of driving up the body temperature for periods of time can shut down the temperature-sensitive replication of the bacterium that causes syphilis. This gives the immune system time to eliminate it properly.
• E) The bacteria that cause syphilis track down and destroy the protozoan that causes malaria. By doing this, the bacteria are "occupied" and do not cause damage to the human host.

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Definitions:

Noise

Unwanted or distracting sounds, but in communication theory, it also refers to any interference that distorts or hinders the transmission of a message.

Compromise

An agreement or a settlement of a dispute reached by each side making concessions.

Transmit

The act of sending or conveying information, signals, or data from one person, device, or place to another.

Interpersonal Communication

The process through which people exchange information, feelings, and meaning through verbal and non-verbal messages in a face-to-face context.