**Core Concept:** Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a condition characterized by fever lasting more than three weeks, with no apparent cause after thorough clinical examination and initial diagnostic workup. In a farmer who raises goats, certain infections should be considered, including those caused by organisms that are common in the goat environment.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer, Brucella, is a group of Gram-negative, pleomorphic, facultatively intracellular coccobacilli bacteria that cause brucellosis, a zoonotic disease. In this case, a farmer who raises goats is at higher risk of exposure to Brucella species via direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated dairy products.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Tuberculosis (TB) is usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. bovis, or M. africanum, and is less commonly caused by Brucella.
B. Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira interrogans and is more likely to occur in urban areas due to exposure to contaminated water.
C. Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii and is more likely to occur in animal farmers or veterinarians, not goat farmers.
D. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum and is less likely to be associated with goat farming.
**Clinical Pearl:** In this scenario, the correct answer, Brucella, is an essential infection to consider in a farmer who raises goats due to their increased risk of exposure. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications and ensure proper management.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.