Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What type of organism causes impetigo?

1. Virus

2. Bacteria

3. Parasite

4. Fungus

The correct answer is: Bacteria

Impetigo is caused by bacteria, specifically typically by strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. This skin infection is highly contagious and primarily affects young children, although anyone can contract it. Bacterial infections like impetigo thrive in breaks in the skin, which can occur from minor injuries, insect bites, or conditions such as eczema. The other options—virus, parasite, and fungus—are not correct in this context as they refer to different categories of pathogens that cause various types of infections. For example, viruses can lead to illnesses like the common cold or influenza, while parasites may cause conditions such as scabies or malaria. Fungal infections might include athlete’s foot or ringworm. Each of these pathogens has distinct characteristics, modes of transmission, and treatment methods, emphasizing the importance of identifying the correct organism in order to effectively address the infection.