What is the most common underlying cause of orchitis?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
The most common underlying cause of orchitis is a bacterial or viral infection. Orchitis refers to the inflammation of one or both testicles, often resulting in pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. This inflammation is most frequently caused by infectious agents.
- Viral infections are a particularly common cause, with the mumps virus being the classic example. Mumps orchitis typically occurs in post-pubertal males and can lead to testicular tenderness and swelling.
- Bacterial orchitis often arises secondary to a urinary tract or sexually transmitted infection, with pathogens such as *Escherichia coli* or *Chlamydia trachomatis* being common culprits.
- Other causes such as autoimmune reactions or traumatic injury are less common and usually not the primary cause.
- Testicular torsion, although it causes acute testicular pain and swelling, is a separate condition characterized by twisting of the spermatic cord and is not an infectious cause of orchitis.
In summary, the hallmark of orchitis etiology is the infection caused by viruses or bacteria, making Option 2: Bacterial or viral infection the correct answer.
- Viral infections are a particularly common cause, with the mumps virus being the classic example. Mumps orchitis typically occurs in post-pubertal males and can lead to testicular tenderness and swelling.
- Bacterial orchitis often arises secondary to a urinary tract or sexually transmitted infection, with pathogens such as *Escherichia coli* or *Chlamydia trachomatis* being common culprits.
- Other causes such as autoimmune reactions or traumatic injury are less common and usually not the primary cause.
- Testicular torsion, although it causes acute testicular pain and swelling, is a separate condition characterized by twisting of the spermatic cord and is not an infectious cause of orchitis.
In summary, the hallmark of orchitis etiology is the infection caused by viruses or bacteria, making Option 2: Bacterial or viral infection the correct answer.
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