A woman who breeds parrots develops a fever and cough, and begins to have difficulty breathing. Small Gram-negative bacteria are detected inside cells of a sputum sample. Which of the following diseases is she likely to have contracted?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The small Gram-negative bacteria detected in the sputum sample suggest the possibility of the woman contracting ornithosis, which is caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci that can infect birds like parrots and is transmitted to humans through inhalation of contaminated dust or feces. Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus and is not associated with Gram-negative bacteria. Influenza and primary atypical pneumonia are caused by viruses, and inhalation anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.

A Woman Who Breeds Parrots Develops a Fever and Cough