Infectious Diseases Practice Questions

Q: The SAFE strategy given by WHO forms the mainstream of the management of Trachoma. What does the S in the acronym represent?

Surgery. ***Surgery*** - The 'S' in the WHO's SAFE strategy for Trachoma management stands for **Surgery**, which is essential for correcting **trichiasis** (in-turned eyelashes). - Surgery prevents irreversible vision loss by stopping the eyelashes from rubbing against and scarring the **cornea**. *Symptom* - Management of specific **symptoms** is generally an element of clinical treatment but does not represent a component of the comprehensive population-level intervention strategy known as SAFE. - The SAFE approach focuses on addressing the **infectious agent** (Antibiotics) and transmission factors (Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement) for elimination. *Spectacles* - **Spectacles** are used for correcting refractive errors (like myopia or hyperopia) and are not a therapeutic measure for active **Chlamydia trachomatis** infection or trichiasis. - The goal of SAFE is elimination of the infectious cause and treatment of the blinding sequelae, not visual **refractive correction**. *Symbol* - A **symbol** is an abstract representation and does not constitute a concrete public health or clinical intervention necessary for the elimination of trachoma. - The other components (**Antibiotics**, **Facial cleanliness**, **Environmental improvement**) are tangible actions aimed at disease control and prevention.

Q: Which of the following is correctly matched for vectors and diseases? Vector: A. Louse, B. Mite, C. Flea, D. Tick. Disease: I. Scrub typhus, II. Endemic typhus, III. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, IV. Epidemic typhus.

A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III. ***A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III (Correct)*** - **Louse (A)** transmits **Epidemic typhus (IV)**, caused by *Rickettsia prowazekii*, typically occurring in overcrowded, unhygienic environments. - **Mite (B)** (chigger) transmits **Scrub typhus (I)**, caused by *Orientia tsutsugamushi*. - **Flea (C)** (rat flea) transmits **Endemic typhus (II)**, caused by *Rickettsia typhi*. - **Tick (D)** transmits **Rocky Mountain spotted fever (III)**, caused by *Rickettsia rickettsii*. *A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II (Incorrect)* - Incorrectly matches Louse (A) with Scrub typhus (I); scrub typhus is transmitted by **mites** (chiggers), not lice. - Incorrectly matches Mite (B) with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (III); RMSF is transmitted by **ticks**, not mites. *A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I (Incorrect)* - Incorrectly matches Louse (A) with Endemic typhus (II); endemic typhus is transmitted by **fleas** (rat flea), not lice. - Incorrectly matches Flea (C) with Epidemic typhus (IV); epidemic typhus is transmitted by **lice**, not fleas. *A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II (Incorrect)* - While A-IV is correct (Louse-Epidemic typhus), this option incorrectly matches Mite (B) with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (III), which is transmitted by **ticks**. - Incorrectly matches Flea (C) with Scrub typhus (I); scrub typhus is transmitted by **mites**, not fleas.

Q: Which of the following is not classified under High-Risk Groups for HIV as per NACO guidelines?

Truck drivers. ***Truck drivers*** - While considered a **Bridge Population** or a vulnerable group due to high mobility and potential for engaging in high-risk behavior, they are not categorized as a primary **High-Risk Group (HRG)** by NACO. - **Bridge Populations** facilitate the transmission of HIV between high-risk groups and the general population. ***Men having sex with men (MSM)*** - **MSM** is designated as a core **High-Risk Group (HRG)** due to a significantly higher prevalence of HIV compared to the general population. - The mode of transmission (anal intercourse) carries a higher risk and is considered a key factor in NACO's classification. ***Female sex workers (FSW)*** - **FSW** is classified as a core **High-Risk Group (HRG)** because of high exposure risk and the potential for greater onward transmission to the general population. - They are a major focus of targeted interventions under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP). ***Injecting drug users (IDUs)*** - **IDUs** are a vital **High-Risk Group (HRG)** primarily due to the sharing of contaminated needles and syringes, leading to immediate blood-to-blood transmission (Parenteral route). - Targeted interventions focus on harm reduction strategies like Needle and Syringe Exchange Programmes (NSEP).

Q: According to WHO, which rapid molecular test is recommended as the initial diagnostic investigation for tuberculosis (TB) spine?

CBNAAT. ***CBNAAT*** - The **WHO** strongly recommends **CBNAAT (GeneXpert or Truenat)** as the **initial rapid molecular diagnostic test** for extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), including **TB spine (Pott's disease)**, due to its rapid turnaround time and high sensitivity. - CBNAAT simultaneously detects **Mycobacterium tuberculosis** DNA and identifies resistance to **Rifampicin**, providing critical information for prompt treatment initiation, typically within 2 hours. - This rapid molecular test is preferred over traditional methods for initial diagnosis to enable early treatment decisions. *Incorrect: X-ray* - X-rays are imaging studies useful for detecting features like **vertebral destruction**, **paraspinal shadow**, and collapse leading to **gibbus deformity**, but they are not molecular diagnostic tests. - While X-rays are included in the diagnostic workup, they cannot confirm the presence of the organism or detect drug resistance, which is why they are not the WHO-recommended initial molecular test. *Incorrect: CT scan* - CT scans offer superior visualization of subtle bony changes, extent of destruction, and delineating **paraspinal cold abscesses**, often used for staging and guiding intervention. - Like X-ray, CT is an **imaging modality** that assists in identifying structural changes but is not a molecular diagnostic test and cannot provide microbiological confirmation or drug resistance information. *Incorrect: Culture and sensitivity* - **Culture (e.g., Lowenstein-Jensen, MGIT)** is considered the **gold standard** for definitive diagnosis and comprehensive Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST). - However, culture results are slow (taking 4–8 weeks), which delays crucial management decisions, leading the WHO to prioritize **rapid molecular tests** like CBNAAT for **initial diagnosis** over culture, though culture remains important for comprehensive DST.

Q: Which mosquito larva has no siphon and rests parallel to the water surface?

Anopheles. ***Anopheles*** - **Anopheles** larvae lack a **siphon** (breathing tube) and breathe through spiracles located on the dorsal surface of the abdomen. - This absence of a siphon causes them to rest **parallel** to the water surface, which is a key identifying feature for species differentiation. *Aedes* - **Aedes** larvae possess a **siphon**, which is relatively shorter and stouter compared to *Culex*. - They hang down from the water surface at an angle, utilizing the siphon for air intake, not lying parallel to the surface. *Culex* - **Culex** larvae possess a long, distinct **siphon** (breathing tube) at the posterior end of the abdomen. - Due to the siphon, they rest at an **angle** (typically 45-60 degrees) to the water surface for breathing. *Mansonia* - **Mansonia** larvae have a modified, sharp **siphon** used to pierce the submerged **stems of aquatic plants** for oxygen extraction. - They remain attached to these plants underwater and do not float on or rest parallel to the water surface.

Q: Match the following: Vector/agent : 1. Louse - 2. Tick - 3. Mite - 4. Poxvirus Diseases caused : A. Epidemic typhus - B. Rocky Mounted Spotted Fever (RMSF) - C. Scrub typhus - D. Molluscum contagiosum

1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D. ***1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D*** - **1-A (Louse - Epidemic typhus):** Epidemic typhus is caused by *Rickettsia prowazekii*, transmitted to humans via the bite or feces of the **human body louse** (*Pediculus humanus corporis*). This is a classic louse-borne rickettsial disease. - **2-B (Tick - Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever):** RMSF is caused by *Rickettsia rickettsii* and transmitted by **hard ticks**, primarily *Dermacentor* species. It is the most severe tick-borne rickettsial illness in the United States. - **3-C (Mite - Scrub typhus):** Scrub typhus is caused by *Orientia tsutsugamushi*, transmitted by the bite of infected **larval mites** (chiggers) of the *Leptotrombidium* genus. It is endemic in the Asia-Pacific region. - **4-D (Poxvirus - Molluscum contagiosum):** Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral skin infection caused by the **Molluscum contagiosum virus**, a member of the Poxviridae family. It spreads through direct contact, not via arthropod vectors. *1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D* - The match **1-B** is incorrect: **Louse** transmits **Epidemic typhus (A)**, not Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (B), which is tick-borne. - The match **2-A** is incorrect: **Tick** transmits **Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (B)**, not Epidemic typhus (A), which is louse-borne. *1-D, 2-B, 3-C, 4-A* - The match **1-D** is incorrect: **Louse** is an arthropod vector for **Epidemic typhus (A)**, while **Molluscum contagiosum (D)** is a viral disease spread by direct contact, not lice. - The match **4-A** is incorrect: **Poxvirus** causes **Molluscum contagiosum (D)**, while **Epidemic typhus (A)** is a rickettsial infection transmitted by lice, not a poxvirus disease. *1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D* - The match **1-C** is incorrect: **Louse** transmits **Epidemic typhus (A)**, not **Scrub typhus (C)**, which is transmitted by larval mites. - The match **3-A** is incorrect: **Mites** transmit **Scrub typhus (C)**, not **Epidemic typhus (A)**, which is a louse-borne disease.

Q: Which is the type of mosquito shown below?

Aedes mosquito. The provided image is a mosquito. Based on the characteristics visible, particularly the **striped legs and body**, it appears to be an **Aedes mosquito**. Here's an explanation of why each option might be correct or incorrect (*Note: The options provided in the input were null, so I'm generating options based on common mosquito types*): ***Aedes mosquito*** - Recognizable by its **black and white striped patterns** on the legs and body. - This genus is a significant vector for diseases like **dengue**, **chikungunya**, and **Zika fever**. *Anopheles mosquito* - Anopheles mosquitoes often have **dark and pale scales on their wings**, creating a spotted appearance, which isn't distinct here. - They typically rest with their **abdomen raised at an angle** to the surface, differing from the posture seen. *Culex mosquito* - Culex mosquitoes usually have a **more uniform brownish body** and **unmarked wings**. - They tend to rest with their **body parallel to the surface**, but lack the distinct striped pattern seen in the image. *Haemagogus mosquito* - Haemagogus mosquitoes are known for their **bright metallic blue or purple coloration**, which is not present in the image. - They are primarily forest-dwelling and can also transmit yellow fever.

Q: The image given below is symbolic of:

Pesticide toxicity labels. ***Pesticide toxicity labels*** - The image displays the **hazard symbols** and **labels**, particularly the **skull and crossbones** and the words "POISON," "DANGER," and "CAUTION" on color-coded diamonds. - These are internationally recognized symbols used to indicate different levels of **toxicity** and **hazard** associated with chemical substances, most notably in **pesticides**. *Biomedical waste* - Biomedical waste symbols typically involve a **biohazard symbol**, which is a **three-crescent circle** in a black or red color, without other text or skull imagery. - While it indicates hazard, it specifies biological risks, not chemical toxicity as depicted. *Contraceptive efficacy labels* - Contraceptive efficacy is usually indicated by **numerical percentages** or **descriptive terms** (e.g., "highly effective," "moderately effective"), not hazard symbols. - These labels are found on product packaging or informational materials to inform users about the effectiveness of a contraceptive method. *Nuclear toxicity labels* - Nuclear toxicity or **radioactivity labels** feature a **trefoil symbol** (a three-bladed propeller shape) in black on a yellow background. - This symbol is distinct from the skull and crossbones or the "POISON" warnings for chemical toxicity shown in the image.

Q: Identify the component of NACP as shown in the image:

PPTCT. ***PPTCT*** - The image depicts a family (father, mother, and child) within the **red ribbon** symbol for HIV/AIDS awareness. This strongly represents the concept of **Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT)**, which aims to prevent HIV transmission from an infected mother to her baby. - PPTCT programs include **HIV testing for pregnant women**, antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive mothers, and safe infant feeding practices. *Ayush* - **AYUSH** refers to traditional Indian systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) and is not directly represented by the family-and-ribbon imagery in the context of HIV prevention. - While AYUSH may be integrated into some health programs, it is not the primary visual representation for HIV transmission prevention in families. *ICTC* - **Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (ICTC)** provide voluntary counseling and testing for HIV but primarily focus on individual diagnosis and counseling, not explicitly on preventing transmission within a family unit as depicted. - While ICTC is a component of NACP, the image's emphasis on parents and child more directly aligns with PPTCT. *Blood transfusion* - Measures related to **blood transfusion safety** focus on screening donated blood for HIV to prevent transmission through blood products. - The image does not show any elements related to blood donation, blood bags, or transfusion procedures, making this option less likely.

Q: Identify the programme depicted by symbol as given in the image:

Vision 2020: The Right to Sight. ***Vision 2020: The Right to Sight*** - The symbol is the **eye logo** of Vision 2020, representing the global initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness. - The **red cross** background highlights the medical and humanitarian focus on eye health.

Question 1

The SAFE strategy given by WHO forms the mainstream of the management of Trachoma. What does the S in the acronym represent?

Accepted Answer

Surgery

Answer

Spectacles

Answer

Symbol

Answer

Symptom

Question 2

Which of the following is correctly matched for vectors and diseases? Vector: A. Louse, B. Mite, C. Flea, D. Tick. Disease: I. Scrub typhus, II. Endemic typhus, III. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, IV. Epidemic typhus.

Accepted Answer

A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III

Answer

A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I

Answer

A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II

Answer

A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II

Question 3

Which of the following is not classified under High-Risk Groups for HIV as per NACO guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Truck drivers

Answer

Men having sex with men (MSM)

Answer

Injecting drug users (IDUs)

Answer

Female sex workers (FSW)

Question 4

According to WHO, which rapid molecular test is recommended as the initial diagnostic investigation for tuberculosis (TB) spine?

Accepted Answer

CBNAAT

Answer

X-ray

Answer

CT scan

Answer

Culture and sensitivity

Question 5

Which mosquito larva has no siphon and rests parallel to the water surface?

Accepted Answer

Anopheles

Answer

Aedes

Answer

Mansonia

Answer

Culex

Question 6

Match the following: 
Vector/agent : 1. Louse - 2. Tick - 3. Mite - 4. Poxvirus
Diseases caused : A. Epidemic typhus - B. Rocky Mounted Spotted Fever (RMSF) - C. Scrub typhus - D. Molluscum contagiosum

Accepted Answer

1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D

Answer

1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D

Answer

1-D, 2-B, 3-C, 4-A

Answer

1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D

Question 7

Which is the type of mosquito shown below?

Accepted Answer

Aedes mosquito

Answer

Culex mosquito

Answer

Anopheles mosquito

Answer

Haemagogus mosquito

Question 8

The image given below is symbolic of:

Accepted Answer

Pesticide toxicity labels

Answer

Biomedical waste

Answer

Contraceptive efficacy labels

Answer

Nuclear toxicity labels

Question 9

Identify the component of NACP as shown in the image:

Accepted Answer

PPTCT

Answer

Ayush

Answer

ICTC

Answer

Blood transfusion

Question 10

Identify the programme depicted by symbol as given in the image:

Accepted Answer

Vision 2020: The Right to Sight

Answer

National Programme for Control of Blindness

Answer

Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram

Answer

National Health Mission

Infectious Diseases — MCQs

Infectious Diseases — MCQs

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