An opportunistic pathogen frequently seen in AIDS patients,________ spreads rapidly to various organs.
A) Mycobacterium tuberculosis
B) Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare
C) Mycobacterium leprae
D) Mycobacterium bovis
E) Mycobacterium ulcerans

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare is an opportunistic pathogen that is frequently seen in AIDS patients. It can spread rapidly to various organs and cause disseminated disease. The other options are also mycobacteria, but they do not typically cause disseminated disease in AIDS patients. Mycobacterium tuberculosis can cause tuberculosis, which can affect the lungs and other organs, but it is not usually seen in disseminated form in AIDS patients. Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy, which primarily affects the skin and nerves. Mycobacterium bovis can cause tuberculosis in cattle and can occasionally infect humans, but it is not a common cause of disease in humans. Mycobacterium ulcerans can cause Buruli ulcer, which primarily affects the skin and soft tissues.

An Opportunistic Pathogen Frequently Seen in AIDS Patients,________ Spreads Rapidly