Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence for acing the exam!

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How are rickettsiae transmitted?

Arthropod bites
Airborne organisms
Physical contact
Blood exposure

The correct answer is: Arthropod bites

Rickettsiae are primarily transmitted through the bites of arthropods, particularly ticks, fleas, and lice. These pathogens are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they require a host cell to grow and reproduce. When an arthropod bites an individual, it can introduce rickettsiae into the host's bloodstream, leading to infection. Understanding this transmission method is crucial for infection control and prevention practices, especially for healthcare workers and individuals in endemic areas. In contrast, airborne transmission involves pathogens expelled into the air and inhaled, which is not the case with rickettsiae. Physical contact can result in infection with other types of pathogens, but it is not a typical route for rickettsial transmission. Similarly, blood exposure can transmit various blood-borne pathogens, but for rickettsiae, the primary vector is the arthropod bite. Recognizing the specific transmission route helps in implementing appropriate measures to prevent rickettsial infections.