Infectious Diseases Practice Questions

Q: Scrub typhus is transmitted by:

Mite. ***Mite*** - Scrub typhus is caused by **Orientia tsutsugamushi**, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected larval trombiculid mites, also known as **chiggers**. - These mites typically inhabit areas with **dense vegetation** and are commonly found in rural or forested regions. - The **eschar** (black necrotic lesion) at the bite site is a characteristic feature of scrub typhus. *Louse* - **Lice** are known vectors for diseases such as **epidemic typhus** (caused by Rickettsia prowazekii) and **relapsing fever** (caused by Borrella recurrentis). - They do not transmit **scrub typhus**. *Tick* - **Ticks** are vectors for a variety of rickettsial diseases, including **Rocky Mountain spotted fever** (R. rickettsii), **Indian tick typhus** (R. conorii), and **ehrlichiosis**. - While ticks transmit other typhus-like illnesses, they are not responsible for transmitting **scrub typhus**. *Flea* - **Fleas** are vectors for **murine typhus** (caused by Rickettsia typhi) and **plague** (caused by Yersinia pestis). - They do not transmit **scrub typhus**, which is specifically transmitted by mites.

Q: Mass Drug Administration is NOT routinely used as the primary strategy for:

Scabies. ***Scabies*** - While **mass drug administration with oral ivermectin** has shown effectiveness in specific endemic outbreak settings, MDA is generally **not the primary recommended strategy** for routine scabies control in most public health contexts. - Scabies control typically prioritizes **case finding, contact tracing, simultaneous household treatment, and environmental decontamination**—which are more complex to implement than standard MDA programs. - Unlike the other conditions listed, scabies lacks well-established **routine MDA programs** at the scale of national public health initiatives, making it the least suitable option for MDA among these choices. *Vitamin A Deficiency* - **Vitamin A supplementation** through MDA is a **highly effective and widely implemented** WHO-recommended strategy to combat Vitamin A deficiency in at-risk populations, particularly children under 5 years. - Regular mass supplementation helps prevent **xerophthalmia** and reduces morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases. - This is a cornerstone of routine public health programs globally. *Lymphatic Filariasis* - **Lymphatic filariasis** is a classic example where MDA with anti-filarial drugs like **diethylcarbamazine (DEC), albendazole,** or **ivermectin** is the cornerstone strategy for interrupting transmission. - MDA is the **primary WHO-recommended approach** to achieve elimination of lymphatic filariasis, with established national programs in endemic countries. *Worm infestation* - **Mass deworming programs** using drugs like **albendazole** or **mebendazole** represent highly effective and well-established forms of MDA for controlling **soil-transmitted helminth infections**. - These routine programs significantly reduce disease burden in school-aged children, improving nutritional status, growth, and learning outcomes.

Q: Vision 2020 aims to eliminate which infectious cause of preventable blindness by 2020?

Trachoma. **Correct: Trachoma** - **Vision 2020: The Right to Sight** is a global initiative launched by the WHO and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) to eliminate the main causes of avoidable blindness by the year 2020. - **Trachoma** was identified as one of the major infectious causes of preventable blindness and was a primary target for elimination under the Vision 2020 initiative through the **SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial Cleanliness, Environmental Improvements)**. - Among infectious causes, trachoma was specifically highlighted for elimination due to its widespread prevalence and feasibility of elimination through proven public health interventions. *Incorrect: Refractive errors* - While a significant cause of visual impairment, refractive errors are not an infectious cause of blindness. - They are primarily corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. *Incorrect: Vitamin A deficiency* - Vitamin A deficiency is a major nutritional cause of preventable blindness, especially in children, leading to conditions like **xerophthalmia** and keratomalacia. - Though preventable, it is not an infectious cause, unlike trachoma. *Incorrect: Onchocerciasis* - Also known as "river blindness," **onchocerciasis** is an infectious disease caused by the parasite *Onchocerca volvulus*, transmitted by blackflies, and can lead to blindness. - While part of Vision 2020 control programs, trachoma was the infectious cause specifically targeted for elimination by 2020 due to its feasibility with the SAFE strategy.

Q: Regarding Influenza, which statement is not true?

1-5 years age is not a high risk age group. ***1-5 years age is not a high risk age group*** (This statement is FALSE - making it the correct answer) - Children aged **1-5 years ARE considered a high-risk group** for severe influenza and its complications. - They often require **hospitalization** and may experience complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and seizures. - This statement is incorrect, which is why it's the answer to "which is NOT true." *Virus shedding present before the patient presents with symptoms* (This statement is TRUE) - Influenza is highly contagious, and patients typically shed the **virus for 1 to 2 days before the onset of symptoms.** - This **presymptomatic shedding** contributes significantly to the rapid spread of the virus. *Aquatic birds are reservoir* (This statement is TRUE) - **Wild aquatic birds** are the natural reservoir for most influenza A viruses, particularly those with a broad range of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) subtypes. - They can carry influenza viruses without becoming ill, contributing to the **genetic diversity and evolution of new strains.** *Secondary attack rate 5-15%* (This statement is TRUE) - The **secondary attack rate** for influenza in households and close contacts is typically estimated to be between 5% and 15%. - This rate indicates the **likelihood of transmission** from an infected individual to susceptible household members or close contacts.

Q: Which of the following diseases is not included in the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program?

Tuberculosis. ***Tuberculosis*** - **Tuberculosis** is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs and is not transmitted by a vector. - It is controlled under the **National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)**, a separate national health program. *Japanese encephalitis* - **Japanese encephalitis** is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, making it a vector-borne disease. - It is one of the diseases specifically targeted by the **National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP)**. *Malaria* - **Malaria** is a parasitic disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, clearly categorizing it as vector-borne. - It is a primary focus of the **NVBDCP** due to its significant public health impact. *Dengue* - **Dengue** is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, hence a vector-borne disease. - **Dengue control and prevention** are key objectives of the **NVBDCP**.

Q: Which of the following is the most effective method to prevent malaria?

Use of insecticide-treated nets. ***Use of insecticide-treated nets*** - **Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs)** provide a physical and chemical barrier against **Anopheles mosquitoes**, the primary vectors of malaria, reducing human-vector contact effectively during sleep. - The insecticide on the nets kills or repels mosquitoes, preventing bites and reducing the **mosquito population** within homes and surrounding areas. *Vaccination* - While significant progress has been made with **malaria vaccines** like RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix), their **efficacy is partial** (around 30-40% effective against severe malaria over several years) and requires multiple doses. - It is an important complementary tool but **not yet the most effective standalone method** for preventing widespread malaria transmission compared to vector control. *Antimalarial drugs* - **Antimalarial drugs** are primarily used for **treatment** of active malaria infections or for **chemoprophylaxis** (preventive treatment) in travelers or specific high-risk populations. - While effective for individual prevention during travel or in specific scenarios, widespread prophylactic use is **not a sustainable or most effective primary public health strategy** for preventing malaria transmission across entire communities due to cost, drug resistance, and adherence issues. *Genetic modification of mosquitoes* - **Genetic modification of mosquitoes** (e.g., using **gene drives** to reduce mosquito populations or render them incapable of transmitting malaria) is a promising but **experimental strategy** under development. - It involves significant ethical, ecological, and regulatory challenges, and is **not currently an implemented or widely available method** for malaria prevention.

Q: Which of the following diseases is primarily monitored under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP)?

Malaria. ***Malaria*** - Malaria is a significant public health concern with high incidence and mortality, making its surveillance crucial for **disease control and elimination efforts**. - The IDSP aims for early detection and rapid response to **outbreaks of communicable diseases**, including vector-borne diseases like malaria. *Tuberculosis* - While a major public health issue, **tuberculosis (TB)** is primarily monitored under the **National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)**, which has a dedicated and extensive surveillance system. - The NTEP focuses on active case finding, treatment, and prevention of TB through a specific, robust framework separate from the IDSP's general surveillance. *HIV* - **HIV/AIDS** surveillance is conducted under the **National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)**, which has a specialized program for monitoring prevalence, incidence, and risk behaviors. - NACO's surveillance includes sentinel surveillance among specific populations and programmatic data collection, distinct from the IDSP's generalized infectious disease monitoring. *Diabetes* - **Diabetes** is a **non-communicable disease** and is not primarily monitored under the IDSP, which focuses on infectious disease outbreaks. - Surveillance for non-communicable diseases like diabetes typically falls under programs dedicated to non-communicable disease prevention and control, focusing on prevalence and risk factors.

Q: What is the primary purpose of hand hygiene in healthcare settings?

Prevents nosocomial infections. ***Prevents nosocomial infections*** - Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of **infection control**, significantly reducing the transmission of **pathogens** between patients and healthcare workers. - By mechanically removing or inactivating microorganisms on the hands, it directly **interrupts the chain of infection** in healthcare settings. *Increases staff productivity* - While a healthy workforce is more productive, hand hygiene's primary goal is not directly to increase **staff output**. - Its main focus is on patient and staff safety through **infection prevention**. *Improves patient satisfaction* - Patients may appreciate healthcare workers practicing good hand hygiene, but improving **patient satisfaction scores** is a secondary effect, not its core purpose. - The direct, measurable impact of hand hygiene is on **health outcomes** related to infection. *Reduces medication errors* - **Medication errors** are primarily prevented through careful prescription, dispensing, administration, and verification processes. - Hand hygiene plays no direct role in preventing these types of clinical errors.

Q: Which program in India is focused on combating HIV/AIDS?

National AIDS Control Programme. ***National AIDS Control Programme*** - This program, often referred to as **NACP**, is India's most significant initiative specifically designed to prevent and control HIV/AIDS. - It encompasses various strategies including **prevention, treatment, care, and support services** for people living with HIV/AIDS. *National Cancer Control Programme* - This program focuses on **prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of various cancers** in India. - Its objectives are distinct from HIV/AIDS prevention and management. *National Tuberculosis Control Programme* - This program, now known as the **National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)**, is dedicated to controlling and eventually eliminating tuberculosis in India. - It specifically targets **Mycobacterium tuberculosis** infections and their related health issues. *National Diabetes Control Programme* - This program aims to prevent and control **diabetes** and its complications through awareness, screening, and management initiatives. - It addresses a completely different chronic non-communicable disease.

Question 1

Scrub typhus is transmitted by:

Accepted Answer

Mite

Answer

Louse

Answer

Tick

Answer

Flea

Question 2

Mass Drug Administration is NOT routinely used as the primary strategy for:

Accepted Answer

Scabies

Answer

Vitamin A Deficiency

Answer

Lymphatic Filariasis

Answer

Worm infestation

Question 3

Vision 2020 aims to eliminate which infectious cause of preventable blindness by 2020?

Accepted Answer

Trachoma

Answer

Refractive errors

Answer

Vitamin A deficiency

Answer

Onchocerciasis

Question 4

Regarding Influenza, which statement is not true?

Accepted Answer

1-5 years age is not a high risk age group

Answer

Virus shedding present before the patient presents with symptoms

Answer

Aquatic birds are reservoir

Answer

Secondary attack rate 5-15%

Question 5

Malaria control means

Accepted Answer

To reduce Malaria disease so that it's no longer a Public Health Problem

Answer

To prevent local transmission for 3 years

Answer

To reduce Incidence to Zero

Answer

To reduce Malaria mortality to Zero

Question 6

Which of the following diseases is not included in the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Japanese encephalitis

Answer

Malaria

Answer

Dengue

Question 7

Which of the following is the most effective method to prevent malaria?

Accepted Answer

Use of insecticide-treated nets

Answer

Vaccination

Answer

Antimalarial drugs

Answer

Genetic modification of mosquitoes

Question 8

Which of the following diseases is primarily monitored under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP)?

Accepted Answer

Malaria

Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

HIV

Answer

Diabetes

Question 9

What is the primary purpose of hand hygiene in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

Prevents nosocomial infections

Answer

Increases staff productivity

Answer

Improves patient satisfaction

Answer

Reduces medication errors

Question 10

Which program in India is focused on combating HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

National AIDS Control Programme

Answer

National Cancer Control Programme

Answer

National Tuberculosis Control Programme

Answer

National Diabetes Control Programme

Infectious Diseases — MCQs

Infectious Diseases — MCQs

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