Wisconsin Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which kind of infections can Spirilla bacteria lead to?

1. Influenza and strep throat

2. Cholera and syphilis

3. Pneumonia and tuberculosis

4. Septicemia and diphtheria

The correct answer is: Cholera and syphilis

Spirilla bacteria are a type of spiral-shaped microorganisms, and specific species within this group are known to be pathogenic to humans. The correct answer highlights cholera and syphilis, which are diseases associated with specific types of spirilla. Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, is associated with contaminated water and leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration. While technically not a spirillum, it is closely related to spirilla in terms of shape and classification within the broader group of bacteria. Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum, which is indeed classified under spirochetes—a category within the broader spiral-shaped bacteria group. In this context, spirilla can lead to infections similar in nature to those caused by spirochetes, which can include a range of serious diseases. Understanding the characteristics of spirilla bacteria helps in recognizing the types of infections they may cause, along with their impact on public health. Other options comprise various types of infections but do not specifically correlate with spirilla bacteria. For example, pneumonia and tuberculosis are associated with different types of bacteria, primarily from the Streptococcus and Mycobacterium species, respectively. Influenza is a viral infection, and septicemia typically arises from a