Question

Gene has a sore throat with a 101oF fever, coated tonsils, and swollen glands. He should really see a doctor because the bacteria may eventually cause ________ within his body.

Answer 1

The bacteria causing symptoms like a sore throat and fever may lead to serious consequences, such as acute rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis, if not treated with antibiotics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question pertains to the potential consequences if a bacterial infection like the one Gene is experiencing is not properly treated. It is suggested that Gene should see a doctor because the bacteria causing his symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, coated tonsils, and swollen glands, may eventually lead to serious complications within his body. Conditions like streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), which is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, must be treated with antibiotics to prevent sequelae such as acute rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis.

These sequelae are serious later clinical consequences that can arise if the primary infection is left untreated. Strep throat can be identified through symptoms such as a fever over 38°C (100.4 °F), severe pharyngeal pain, erythema, swollen tonsils with pus, and petechiae. A doctor would perform tests like a throat culture or blood test such as the Sure-Vue Mono Test to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate antibiotics.