Infectious Diseases — MCQs

Infectious Diseases Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 751: What term describes an infection or infectious disease that is transmissible under natural conditions from vertebrate animals to humans?

A. Epizootic
B. Epornithic
C. Zoonoses (Correct Answer)
D. Exotic

Explanation: ***Zoonoses*** - A **zoonosis** is an infectious disease that can be **transmitted naturally from vertebrate animals to humans**. - Examples include rabies, Lyme disease, and influenza, where animals act as natural hosts or reservoirs for the pathogen. *Epizootic* - **Epizootic** refers to a disease event in an **animal population** that is analogous to an **epidemic in humans**, indicating a sudden and widespread outbreak. - It describes the prevalence pattern of a disease within an animal population, not the transmission across species to humans. *Epornithic* - **Epornithic** is a term specifically used for an outbreak of disease within a **bird population**, similar to how epizootic refers to animals in general. - This term does not describe the transmission of disease from animals to humans, but rather the incidence within birds. *Exotic* - **Exotic** refers to something originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country, often implying something unusual or introduced from outside. - It does not specifically describe a type of infectious disease or its transmissibility from animals to humans.

Question 752: Which of the following diseases does not require strict isolation?

A. Pneumonic plague
B. Mumps
C. Measles
D. Hepatitis A (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Hepatitis A*** - While **contact precautions** are important for Hepatitis A to prevent fecal-oral transmission, **strict isolation** like airborne or droplet precautions typically isn't required in the same way as highly transmissible respiratory diseases. - Its primary mode of transmission is **fecal-oral**, making good hygiene and contact precautions effective in preventing its spread. *Mumps* - Mumps requires **droplet precautions** because it is transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. - This necessitates isolation to prevent its spread in healthcare settings. *Measles* - Measles is highly contagious and spreads via **airborne transmission**, meaning the virus can remain suspended in the air for extended periods. - It requires **airborne isolation** (e.g., in a negative pressure room) to prevent widespread transmission. *Pneumonic plague* - Pneumonic plague is a severe respiratory illness that is transmitted through **respiratory droplets** and requires strict **droplet precautions** and often airborne precautions due to its high infectivity and mortality rate. - This necessitates isolation to contain the spread of the highly virulent *Yersinia pestis* bacterium.

Question 753: Which of the following is NOT included in the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP)?

A. Malaria
B. Tuberculosis (Correct Answer)
C. Filarial
D. Kala azar

Explanation: ***Tuberculosis*** - **Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease** spread via airborne droplets, primarily affecting the lungs, and is **not a vector-borne disease**. - It is managed under the **Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP)** in India, distinct from vector-borne disease programs. *Malaria* - Malaria is a **mosquito-borne parasitic disease** caused by Plasmodium parasites, and it is a major focus of the **NVBDCP**. - The program aims to reduce morbidity and mortality due to malaria through various control strategies. *Filarial* - **Filariasis (lymphatic filariasis)** is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease caused by filarial worms, and its elimination is a key objective of the **NVBDCP**. - The program focuses on mass drug administration and vector control to prevent its spread. *Kala Azar* - **Kala Azar (visceral leishmaniasis)** is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of infected **sandflies**, making it a target disease under the **NVBDCP**. - The program implements surveillance, case management, and vector control measures to eliminate Kala Azar.

Question 754: A healthcare worker receives a needlestick injury. Which immediate measure should be taken as part of post-exposure prophylaxis?

A. Apply a tourniquet
B. Wash the area with soap and water (Correct Answer)
C. Apply ice to the area
D. Take antibiotics immediately

Explanation: ***Wash the area with soap and water*** - **Immediate washing with soap and water** is the primary first aid measure for needlestick injuries, as it helps to mechanically remove blood and potential pathogens from the wound site - This action reduces the inoculum of any infectious agents and is a crucial step before further medical evaluation and PEP assessment *Apply a tourniquet* - Applying a tourniquet is **contraindicated** as it can increase localized pressure and potentially force contaminants deeper into the tissue - Tourniquets are used to control severe arterial bleeding, not for superficial needlestick injuries *Apply ice to the area* - Applying ice is **not recommended** as an immediate measure for needlestick injuries - Ice reduces swelling but does not address pathogen transmission risk and may cause vasoconstriction, potentially trapping contaminants *Take antibiotics immediately* - Taking antibiotics immediately is **not the initial step** in post-exposure prophylaxis for needlestick injuries - While PEP with antiretrovirals may be indicated depending on exposure and source patient status, this requires medical evaluation and is typically started within 2 hours, not self-administered antibiotics

Practice by Chapter

Communicable Disease Control Principles

Practice Questions

Vector-Borne Diseases

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Water-Borne Diseases

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Air-Borne Diseases

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Zoonotic Diseases

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Sexually Transmitted Infections

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HIV/AIDS Control Program

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Tuberculosis Control

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Leprosy Elimination

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Emerging and Re-emerging Infections

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Hospital-Acquired Infections

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Integrated Disease Surveillance Project

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