Prepare for the ITEC Level 2 Diploma in Beauty. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each accompanied by hints and explanations. Master your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a skin infection caused by microorganisms smaller than bacteria that reproduce inside human cells (examples include chickenpox, hepatitis and cold sores)?

Viruses are the smallest infectious agents and they replicate only inside living cells. A skin infection described as being caused by microorganisms smaller than bacteria that reproduce inside human cells points to a viral infection. Examples like chickenpox, hepatitis, and cold sores are all caused by viruses (varicella-zoster, hepatitis viruses, herpes simplex, respectively). Because viruses rely on our cells to multiply, they fit this description perfectly. In contrast, fungal infections are caused by fungi, which are different organisms; bacterial infections are caused by bacteria and are not defined by replication inside our cells; parasitic infections involve larger organisms like protozoa or worms.

Viruses are the smallest infectious agents and they replicate only inside living cells. A skin infection described as being caused by microorganisms smaller than bacteria that reproduce inside human cells points to a viral infection. Examples like chickenpox, hepatitis, and cold sores are all caused by viruses (varicella-zoster, hepatitis viruses, herpes simplex, respectively). Because viruses rely on our cells to multiply, they fit this description perfectly. In contrast, fungal infections are caused by fungi, which are different organisms; bacterial infections are caused by bacteria and are not defined by replication inside our cells; parasitic infections involve larger organisms like protozoa or worms.