Question

Which of the following diseases is caused by a protozoan?
A. Blastomycosis
B. Syphilis
C. Influenza
D. Babesiosis

Answer 1

Hint: Protozoans are unicellular microscopic organisms that belong to Protists. They are eukaryotic organisms that are either free-living or parasitic. Motility, predation, and lack of cell walls make them look like animals. A malaria-like parasite that causes piroplasmosis is a protozoan.

Complete answer: Protozoans are known as microscopic organisms that are free-living or parasitic that range from 1 micrometre to 20 cm. They are commonly found in brackish, fresh, or saltwater. They prefer moist environments. Some species are even found in hot springs and hypersaline lakes. Parasitic protozoans live on or within the host species. Babesiosis or piroplasmosis disease is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan named Babesia. It is transmitted by a tick bite and is most common in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. It prevails in warm weather and is considered the second most common blood parasite. Domestic animals may also get infected by this disease. It is known as Texas cattle fever in cattle. This is usually an asymptomatic disease. The common symptoms can be fever, anaemia, and other symptoms similar to malaria. Hence, it is called a malaria-like parasitic disease. The incubation period of the parasite is 1 to 4 weeks after the tick bite. Malaise and fatigue followed by fever are some signs of the onset of disease. With the severity of the disease, the red blood cells start getting destroyed or removed. Chills, sweat, weakness, etc. appear as long-term effects. Blastomycosis is a fungal disease. Syphilis is caused by a bacterial strain and influenza is a viral disease.
Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Note: Azithromycin and atovaquone are medicinal treatments for babesiosis. The standard course for these medicines ranges from 7 to 10 days. A combination of quinine and clindamycin is prescribed in severe infections. The diagnosis is done by specialized lab tests like PCR.