A 50-year-old man presents with fever, night sweats, and weight loss. A biopsy o
Practice Questions
Q1
A 50-year-old man presents with fever, night sweats, and weight loss. A biopsy of a lymph node reveals granulomas. Which infectious agent is most likely responsible?
Histoplasma capsulatum
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Coccidioides immitis
Brucella spp.
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A 50-year-old man presents with fever, night sweats, and weight loss. A biopsy of a lymph node reveals granulomas. Which infectious agent is most likely responsible?
Correct Answer: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Step 1: A 50-year-old man has symptoms: fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Step 2: These symptoms can indicate an infection or illness.
Step 3: A biopsy of a lymph node is done to investigate further.
Step 4: The biopsy shows granulomas, which are small clusters of immune cells.
Step 5: Granulomas are often associated with certain infections, particularly tuberculosis.
Step 6: Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Step 7: Therefore, the most likely infectious agent responsible for the man's condition is Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Granulomatous Inflammation – Granulomas are a type of chronic inflammatory response often associated with infections like tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis Presentation – Common symptoms of tuberculosis include fever, night sweats, and weight loss, particularly in adults.
Lymph Node Biopsy – A biopsy revealing granulomas can indicate specific infectious agents, with tuberculosis being a primary consideration.
