Question

tony spent 2 weeks hiking. one week later he developed a \bulls eye\ rash on his chest, fever, pain, and a swollen, tender, right ankle. his doctor ordered a blood test that revealed ___ to a spirochete bacterium.

antigens
antibodies
arthritis
antibiotics

Explanation:

Analyze clinical presentation

The patient presents with a classic "bull's eye" rash (erythema migrans) after hiking, accompanied by systemic symptoms (fever, pain, joint swelling). These clinical signs are highly characteristic of Lyme disease, which is caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

Evaluate diagnostic testing

The doctor ordered a blood test to confirm the exposure. Standard blood tests for Lyme disease (such as ELISA and Western blot) do not typically detect the bacterium or its Medical Terminology components directly in the bloodstream. Instead, they measure the patient's immune response to the infection.

Identify the detected substance

The immune system produces specific proteins in response to foreign invaders (antigens). These host-produced proteins, which circulate in the blood and are detected by diagnostic serology tests, are called antibodies. Therefore, the blood test revealed antibodies to the spirochete bacterium.

Answer:

• antigens
• antibodies (Correct answer)
• arthritis
• antibiotics