Question

Which of the following is NOT caused by infection of the upper respiratory tract?

1. streptococcal pharyngitis
2. diphtheria
3. scarlet fever

Answer 1

Scarlet fever is not caused by infection of the upper respiratory tract.

Scarlet fever is caused by infection with group A Streptococcus (GAS), the same bacteria that causes streptococcal pharyngitis or "strep throat". However, scarlet fever is characterized by a distinctive rash that spreads over the body and is not typically associated with respiratory symptoms. Diphtheria, on the other hand, is caused by infection with the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae and can affect both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.