Chapter 19, Problem 1MCQ

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Inflammation of meninges is known as meningitis which is an example of anatomical syndrome. Several types of microorganisms are responsible for meningitis and all of them produce similar set of symptoms. Bacteria cause serious form of acute meningitis, however, it is believed that it is caused by previous infection with viruses. Different microorganisms cause meningitis in neonates.

Answer to Problem 1MCQ

Correct answer:

Clostridium tetani does not cause meningitis. Therefore, option (d) is correct.

Option (d) is given as “Clostridium tetani”.

Explanation of Solution

Justify reasons for the correct statement:

Tetanus is a neuromuscular disease which is also known as lockjaw. It affects muscles of jaw. It is caused by Clostridium tetani. The causative organism releases tetanospasmin which is a neurotoxin which binds to the target sites which are present on peripheral motor neurons.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Justify reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as “Haemophilus influenzae”.

Haemophilus influenza causes one of the most severe form of meningitis. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given as “Streptococcus pneumoniae”.

Majority of the bacterial pneumonia are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium also causes pneumococcal meningitis. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given as “Neisseria meningitidis”.

Neisseria meningitidis is also known as meningococcus and is associated with epidemic forms of meningitis. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis cause different forms of meningitis. However, Clostridium tetani does not cause meningitis. Rather it causes tetanus.