Which of the following is most likely due to prokaryotic organisms?
A Hookworms
B Malaria
C Hepatitis
D Urinary tract infection
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D: Urinary tract infection (UTI).
Urinary tract infections are most commonly caused by prokaryotic organisms, specifically bacteria. Bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is a common inhabitant of the intestinal tract, are the primary culprits. Prokaryotic organisms, which lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, differ from eukaryotic organisms in terms of their cellular structure and genetic material.
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to an infection. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, and an infection can occur in any of these areas, but the bladder is most commonly affected, resulting in cystitis. The infection usually begins when bacteria from the skin or rectum enter the urethra and ascend into the urinary tract. The bacteria can multiply, causing inflammation and symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urges to urinate, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
In contrast, the other options are not primarily caused by prokaryotic organisms:
- A: Hookworms are parasitic worms, not bacteria. They are eukaryotic organisms and cause an infection by entering the body through the skin, often through contact with contaminated soil.
- B: Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite (Plasmodium species), which is a eukaryotic organism. The malaria parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- C: Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation that can be caused by several viruses. Hepatitis viruses (like hepatitis A, B, C) are eukaryotic pathogens, not prokaryotes.
Therefore, urinary tract infections, due to the involvement of bacterial (prokaryotic) pathogens like E. coli, is the most appropriate answer.