Question

A 67-year-old male patient presents with diarrhea and a fever that has progressed into a persistent headache and stiff neck. He reports eating some unpasteurized soft cheese 24 hours ago. Which of the following organisms is most likely the etiological agent?

Choose one:
A. botulism toxin
B. Listeria monocytogenes
C. Neisseria meningitidis
D. tetanus toxin

Answer 1

A 67-year-old male patient exhibiting symptoms of listeriosis after consuming unpasteurized soft cheese is likely infected with Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive bacterium.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 67-year-old male patient presenting with diarrhea, fever, persistent headache, and stiff neck after consuming unpasteurized soft cheese is likely experiencing symptoms of listeriosis, caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive bacterium that can cause severe infections, particularly in pregnant women, neonates, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. It can lead to meningitis and has a high mortality rate in certain populations.