Follow three organism stories through the respiratory system. Notice how exposure, infection, and illness differ.
Influenza viruses can infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Read the profile’s illness context.
Respiratory viruses with illness ranging from mild to severe.
Read how inactive TB infection differs from active TB disease.
The bacterium behind TB. Active disease differs from latent infection.
Aspergillus spores can be inhaled from the environment. Read why most people exposed do not get sick.
An environmental mould associated with several forms of aspergillosis.
Which statement is supported by the sources?
Option: Every exposure becomes an illness
Answer: TB infection can remain inactive
Option: Aspergillus is a normal lung resident
Inactive TB infection and active TB disease are different states. A person with inactive TB has no symptoms of TB disease.
Which profile describes environmental spores that most people inhale without becoming ill?
Option: Human influenza viruses
Option: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Answer: Aspergillus fumigatus
Aspergillus spores are common in the environment; CDC says most people exposed do not get sick.