Infectious Disease Practice Test

The disease characterized by an erythematous throat, enlarged tonsils, and a grayish membrane in children is diphtheria. Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This condition is notable for the presence of a pseudomembrane, which is a thick, grayish coating that can cover the throat and tonsils, causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

The erythematous appearance of the throat and the swelling of the tonsils are common symptoms, and the formation of the grayish membrane is particularly distinctive, helping to differentiate diphtheria from other throat infections. This membrane is a result of the necrosis of tissues and accumulation of dead cells, making it an important diagnostic feature.

Considering the other options, strep throat is typically associated with a sore throat and can involve some swelling but does not produce a grayish membrane. Mononucleosis, commonly caused by Epstein-Barr Virus, can cause similar symptoms (swollen tonsils and sore throat) but lacks the characteristic membrane seen in diphtheria. Tonsillitis can also involve an inflamed throat and swollen tonsils, especially from viral or bacterial infections, but again, the presence of a gray

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