Which of the following diseases is NOT caused by bacteria?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is not caused by bacteria; it is a virus. Viruses and bacteria are fundamentally different types of pathogens. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can reproduce independently and can often be treated with antibiotics. In contrast, viruses require a host cell to replicate and do not respond to antibiotics.

In the context of the other conditions listed: strep throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, and tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Each of these diseases is the result of bacterial infection, highlighting the significance of distinguishing between bacterial and viral pathogens in medical training and practice. Understanding these differences is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment strategies in esthetics and broader healthcare.