Infectious Diseases Practice Questions

Q: Safe injection strategy will reduce the occurrence of:

Hepatitis B. ***Hepatitis B*** - **Hepatitis B** is a blood-borne virus commonly transmitted through contaminated needles and syringes. - Implementing **safe injection strategies**, such as using sterile equipment and proper disposal, effectively reduces its transmission. *Hepatitis E* - **Hepatitis E** is primarily transmitted via the **fecal-oral route**, often through contaminated water. - It is not typically associated with unsafe injection practices. *Hepatitis A* - **Hepatitis A** is also spread primarily through the **fecal-oral route**, often from contaminated food or water. - It has no significant link to injection safety practices. *Typhoid* - **Typhoid fever** is caused by *Salmonella Typhi* and is transmitted through the **ingestion of contaminated food or water**. - Injection practices do not play a role in its transmission.

Q: Mass treatment strategy is for treating -

Filariasis. ***Filariasis*** - **Mass drug administration (MDA)** is a key strategy for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis globally, aiming to treat entire populations in affected areas. - This approach interrupts the transmission cycle by reducing the parasite load in infected individuals, even those without overt symptoms. *Cholera* - Management of cholera primarily involves **rehydration therapy** and, for severe cases, **antibiotics** administered to symptomatic individuals. - While rapid response is crucial, mass treatment of entire populations is not the standard approach for cholera control. *Plague* - Treatment for plague involves **antibiotics** given to individuals suspected or confirmed to have the infection, or for post-exposure prophylaxis in close contacts. - Mass treatment strategies are not typically employed for plague, as it usually presents as localized outbreaks rather than widespread endemic disease suitable for MDA. *Diphtheria* - Treatment for diphtheria focuses on **antitoxin administration** and **antibiotics** to neutralize toxins and eliminate bacteria in infected patients. - Prevention is primarily through **vaccination**, and mass treatment is not a strategy used for diphtheria control.

Q: In Roll Back Malaria program, which of the following is not a component?

Developing newer insecticides. ***Developing newer insecticides*** - The Roll Back Malaria (RBM) program focuses on implementing existing and proven interventions for malaria control and elimination, rather than **research and development** of new tools. - While insecticide resistance is a concern, the RBM partnership's primary role is scaling up current effective tools like **insecticide-treated nets** and **indoor residual spraying**. *Strengthening health system* - This is a core component of RBM, as a strong health system is crucial for **effective malaria prevention**, diagnosis, and treatment delivery. - It ensures that interventions reach the population and are **sustainable** in the long term. *Training for health care worker* - **Capacity building** through training of healthcare workers is vital for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community engagement in malaria control. - Well-trained staff are essential for the successful implementation of malaria programs, including case management and **data collection**. *Using Insecticide-treated bednets* - **Insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs)** are a cornerstone of malaria prevention efforts endorsed by the RBM partnership. - They provide a **physical and chemical barrier** against mosquito bites, significantly reducing malaria transmission.

Q: For yellow fever control, the distance around an airport to be kept free of Aedes breeding is

400m. ***400m*** - The **International Health Regulations (IHR)** mandate that an area within **400 meters** of an airport in a yellow fever endemic zone must be kept free of *Aedes* breeding sites. - This distance is based on the flight range of the mosquito vector, *Aedes aegypti*, which is approximately **400 meters**. *450m* - This distance is **greater than the recommended** safe zone for *Aedes* breeding site control around airports. - While it would increase safety, it is **not the officially specified** requirement by international health organizations. *250m* - This distance is **insufficient** to ensure an adequate buffer zone against the spread of *Aedes* mosquitoes from breeding sites to aircraft or personnel. - The typical flight range of *Aedes aegypti* extends beyond **250 meters**, making this option unsafe. *200m* - A **200-meter radius** is significantly **too small** to effectively prevent the transmission of yellow fever via *Aedes* mosquitoes around airports. - This limited range would leave a large portion of the mosquito's flight range uncovered, posing a high risk.

Q: Plague is transmitted by the bite of -

Rat flea. **Correct Answer: Rat flea** - Plague, caused by the bacterium *Yersinia pestis*, is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected **rat flea** (most commonly *Xenopsylla cheopis*) - The fleas acquire the bacteria by feeding on infected rodents and then transmit it to humans when they bite *Incorrect: Tse-Tse fly* - The **Tse-Tse fly** is the primary vector for **African trypanosomiasis** (sleeping sickness), caused by species of *Trypanosoma* - This fly is not associated with the transmission of plague *Incorrect: Culex mosquito* - The **Culex mosquito** is known to transmit several diseases, including **West Nile virus**, **Japanese encephalitis**, and **filariasis** - It is not a vector for the plague bacterium *Yersinia pestis* *Incorrect: Body louse* - The **body louse** (*Pediculus humanus corporis*) is a vector for diseases such as **epidemic typhus** (caused by *Rickettsia prowazekii*) and **relapsing fever** (caused by *Borrella recurrentis*) - It does not transmit plague

Q: Which one of the following is not a strategy under Roll Back Malaria?

Development of new antimalarial drugs. ***Development of new antimalarial drugs*** - While research and development of antimalarial drugs is important for global malaria control, it is **NOT one of the core strategic pillars** of the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partnership - RBM focuses on **implementing existing interventions** rather than drug development, which falls under research organizations like MMV (Medicines for Malaria Venture) - The RBM partnership emphasizes **access to and quality of existing treatments** rather than development of new drugs *Anti-larval measures* - Anti-larval measures (larvicides, environmental management, source reduction) are part of **integrated vector management (IVM)** strategies - While not explicitly listed as one of the four main pillars, they are included under broader vector control approaches alongside ITNs and IRS - These measures complement the prevention strategies promoted by RBM *Strengthening of health system* - This is a **core strategic component** of Roll Back Malaria, essential for effective delivery of malaria interventions - Strong health systems ensure prompt diagnosis, treatment access, commodity supply chains, and surveillance - Health system strengthening enables sustainable malaria control programs *Use of insecticide treated bed nets* - This is a **primary prevention strategy** and core pillar of the Roll Back Malaria partnership - **ITNs (Insecticide Treated Nets)** are highly effective in reducing malaria transmission by protecting individuals from mosquito bites - Mass distribution of ITNs is one of the most successful RBM interventions in endemic areas

Q: Infective period of chicken pox is

2 days before and 5 days after rash appearance. ***2 days before and 5 days after rash appearance*** - The **infective period** for **chickenpox (varicella)** begins approximately **1-2 days before the rash appears** and continues until **all lesions have crusted over**, which typically occurs around **5-7 days after rash onset**. - According to **CDC guidelines** and standard medical references, patients are contagious from 1-2 days prior to rash onset until all vesicles are scabbed. - The timeframe of **2 days before and 5 days after** represents the **clinically accepted standard** for isolation and infection control purposes. *4 days before and 5 days after rash appearance* - This option **overestimates the start of the infective period**. - The incubation period of chickenpox is 10-21 days, but **infectivity does not begin 4 days before rash** - it starts only 1-2 days prior. - This extended timeframe is not supported by standard medical literature. *4 days before and 4 days after rash appearance* - This option **overestimates when infectivity begins** and **underestimates the duration after rash onset**. - Infectivity starts 1-2 days before rash, not 4 days before. - The period after rash onset should extend until all lesions are crusted (typically 5-7 days). *2 days before and 2 days after rash appearance* - While this option correctly identifies when infectivity begins, it **significantly underestimates the duration after rash onset**. - Patients remain contagious until **all lesions have crusted over**, which usually takes **5-7 days** after rash appearance, not just 2 days. - Premature discontinuation of isolation at 2 days would pose significant infection control risks.

Q: 'S-A-F-E program' was initiated for the control of which of the following conditions?

Trachoma. ***Trachoma*** - The **S-A-F-E program** is a comprehensive strategy developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the elimination of blinding **trachoma**. - **S-A-F-E** stands for **Surgery** for trichiasis, **Antibiotics** for infection, **Facial cleanliness**, and **Environmental improvement**. *Ocular trauma* - While ocular trauma is a significant cause of vision impairment, its control and prevention strategies are distinct from the specific interventions of the SAFE program. - Management of ocular trauma focuses on immediate medical attention, surgical repair, and preventive measures like protective eyewear. *Onchocerciasis* - **Onchocerciasis**, also known as river blindness, is controlled primarily through mass drug administration of **ivermectin**, alongside vector control. - This condition is caused by a parasitic worm (**Onchocerca volvulus**) and is not targeted by the SAFE program. *Refractive error* - **Refractive errors** (e.g., myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) are corrected with spectacles, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. - They are not infectious diseases and do not require the public health interventions outlined in the SAFE program.

Question 1

Safe injection strategy will reduce the occurrence of:

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B

Answer

Hepatitis E

Answer

Hepatitis A

Answer

Typhoid

Question 2

Mass treatment strategy is for treating -

Accepted Answer

Filariasis

Answer

Cholera

Answer

Plague

Answer

Diphtheria

Question 3

In Roll Back Malaria program, which of the following is not a component?

Accepted Answer

Developing newer insecticides

Answer

Strengthening health system

Answer

Training for health care workers

Answer

Using Insecticide-treated bednets

Question 4

A dentist suffered from Hepatitis B infection 3 months back. His liver function tests are normal, but HBsAg remains positive and he is not allowed by the medical board to do surgical practice. He is:

Accepted Answer

Healthy carrier

Answer

Inactive carrier

Answer

Convalescent carrier

Answer

Paradoxical carrier

Question 5

For yellow fever control, the distance around an airport to be kept free of Aedes breeding is

Accepted Answer

400m

Answer

450m

Answer

250m

Answer

200m

Question 6

Plague is transmitted by the bite of -

Accepted Answer

Rat flea

Answer

Tse-Tse fly

Answer

Culex mosquito

Answer

Body louse

Question 7

Which one of the following is not a strategy under Roll Back Malaria?

Accepted Answer

Development of new antimalarial drugs

Answer

Anti-larval measures

Answer

Strengthening of health system

Answer

Use of insecticide treated bed nets

Question 8

Infective period of chicken pox is

Accepted Answer

2 days before and 5 days after rash appearance

Answer

4 days before and 5 days after rash appearance

Answer

4 days before and 4 days after rash appearance

Answer

2 days before and 2 days after rash appearance

Question 9

'S-A-F-E program' was initiated for the control of which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Trachoma

Answer

Ocular trauma

Answer

Onchocerciasis

Answer

Refractive error

Question 10

The most effective method of reduction of incidence of institutional pediatric *Staphylococcus aureus* infection is:

Accepted Answer

Meticulous handwashing before and after contact with patients

Answer

Routine isolation of culture positive

Answer

Mask and gloves use with each suspected patient

Answer

Treatment of all culture positive patients with vancomycin

Infectious Diseases — MCQs

Infectious Diseases — MCQs

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