Question

reading on a foodborne illness

1. the infection known as toxoplasmosis is caused by which of the following?

a) a bacterium called toxoplasma bacillus
b) a virus called toxoplasma virus
c) a single - celled parasite called toxoplasma gondii
d) a fungus called toxoplasma fungus

1. in most people with healthy immune systems who become infected with toxoplasma gondii, what is the expected outcome?

a) they always have severe symptoms right away
b) they often have mild or no symptoms
c) they are always hospitalized
d) the infection immediately causes blindness

1. which of the following groups is at higher risk for more serious problems from toxoplasmosis?

a) healthy adults who have had the infection for years
b) pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems
c) teenagers exercising regularly
d) people who never eat meat

Explanation:

1. Toxoplasmosis is caused by the single - celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are different types of microorganisms. Bacteria have a different cellular structure (e.g., cell wall composition), viruses are acellular (need a host to replicate), and fungi have their own distinct characteristics (e.g., chitin in cell walls).
2. In healthy individuals, the immune system can often control the Toxoplasma gondii infection. So, most people with healthy immune systems have mild or no symptoms. Severe symptoms right away (A), always being hospitalized (C), and immediate blindness (D) are not typical for healthy immune - system cases.
3. Pregnant women can pass the infection to the fetus (which can cause serious problems like birth defects), and people with weakened immune systems (e.g., those with HIV/AIDS or on immunosuppressive drugs) cannot fight the infection as effectively as healthy individuals. Healthy adults with long - term infection (A), regularly exercising teenagers (C), and non - meat eaters (D) are not at a higher risk compared to pregnant women and immunocompromised people.

Answer:

1. C. A single - celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii
2. B. They often have mild or no symptoms
3. B. Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems