NEET-PG 2012 - Community Medicine Practice Questions

Q: What are the serogroups covered by the bivalent meningococcal vaccine?

Serogroup A and C. ***Serogroup A and C*** - The **bivalent meningococcal vaccine** specifically targets and provides protection against **Neisseria meningitidis** serogroups **A and C**. - This vaccine is crucial for preventing invasive meningococcal disease caused by these prevalent strains, particularly in the African meningitis belt. - Examples include **meningococcal AC conjugate vaccines** used in mass vaccination campaigns. *Serogroup A* - While **Serogroup A** is one of the types covered by bivalent vaccines, it is not the only one. - A vaccine covering only Serogroup A would be a **monovalent vaccine**, not bivalent. *Serogroup W* - **Serogroup W** is covered by **quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines** (e.g., MenACWY) which protect against serogroups A, C, W, and Y. - It is **not included** in **bivalent** formulations. *Serogroup C* - While **Serogroup C** is one of the types covered by bivalent vaccines, it is not the only one. - A vaccine covering only Serogroup C would be a **monovalent vaccine**, not bivalent.

Q: Which is the main vector of Dengue?

A. aegypti. ***A. aegypti*** - **Aedes aegypti** is the primary vector responsible for transmitting the **Dengue virus** to humans. - It is a **day-biting mosquito** found predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions. *Culex* - **Culex mosquitoes** are known vectors for diseases like **Japanese encephalitis**, **West Nile virus**, and **filariasis**. - They are generally **night-biting** and do not play a significant role in Dengue transmission. *Anopheles* - **Anopheles mosquitoes** are the primary vectors for **malaria** in humans. - They are not associated with the transmission of the Dengue virus. *Aedes scutellaris* - While part of the **Aedes genus**, **Aedes scutellaris** is a secondary vector for Dengue in the **Pacific region**. - The main vector for Dengue globally remains **Aedes aegypti**, followed by **Aedes albopictus** in some regions.

Q: Which of the following is a zoonotic disease?

Hydatid cyst. ***Hydatid cyst*** - This disease is caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm **Echinococcus granulosus**, which completes its life cycle in dogs and sheep. - Humans can become infected by ingesting material contaminated with **Echinococcus eggs**, typically from contact with infected dogs or contaminated food/water, making it a zoonotic disease. *Malaria* - Malaria is transmitted by the **Anopheles mosquito** biting infected humans and then uninfected humans. - While it involves a vector, its primary reservoir is humans and it is not typically considered zoonotic as there is no animal-to-human transmission from a non-human primary reservoir. *Filariasis* - Filariasis is spread by various mosquito vectors (e.g., **Culex, Anopheles, Aedes**) that transmit parasitic worms to humans. - The life cycle primarily involves humans and mosquitos, and it is not classified as a zoonotic disease. *Dengue fever* - Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by **Aedes mosquitoes** (primarily *Aedes aegypti* and *Aedes albopictus*) between humans. - Similar to malaria, while it involves a vector, the primary reservoir is humans, and it is not considered zoonotic.

Q: Which of the following statements about the Late Expanding Phase of the Demographic Cycle is TRUE?

Death Rate declines more than Birth Rate. ***Death Rate declines more than Birth Rate*** - In the **Late Expanding Phase**, the **birth rate** remains high, while the **death rate** continues to fall **rapidly** due to improved healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition. - This significant decline in the death rate, coupled with a still high birth rate, results in a rapid and substantial increase in **population growth** (demographic explosion). - The key characteristic is the **greater rate of decline** in death rate compared to birth rate. *Birth Rate remains consistently high while Death Rate starts to decline significantly* - The word **"starts"** is the critical error here - it describes the **Early Expanding Phase**, not the Late Expanding Phase. - In the **Late Expanding Phase**, the death rate has *already been declining* and continues to decline rapidly. - The death rate decline **begins** in the Early Expanding Phase, not the Late Expanding Phase. *Death Rate becomes significantly lower than Birth Rate during this phase* - While this statement is true, it describes a **consequence** rather than the defining characteristic of the Late Expanding Phase. - This condition exists throughout the expanding phases, making it less specific. - The defining feature is the **rate of decline** of death rate being greater than any decline in birth rate. *Birth Rate remains higher than Death Rate, leading to population growth* - This statement is true but **too generic** - it applies to all expanding phases where population growth occurs. - It does not specifically distinguish the **Late Expanding Phase** from the Early Expanding Phase. - The unique feature of the Late Expanding Phase is the **rapid and dramatic decline** in death rate while birth rate remains high.

Q: Which agency monitors air quality in India?

Central pollution control board. ***Central pollution control board*** - The **Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)** is responsible for setting standards and monitoring air quality across India. - It works under the **Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)**. *Central air quality board* - There is **no specific agency** or board named "Central Air Quality Board" in India. - Air quality monitoring falls under the broader mandate of pollution control. *Central public works dept* - The **Central Public Works Department (CPWD)** is primarily involved in the construction and maintenance of government buildings and infrastructure. - It does **not have a mandate** for environmental monitoring like air quality. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because the **Central Pollution Control Board** is the correct agency responsible for air quality monitoring. - There is a specific statutory organization fulfilling this role.

Q: In which of the following diseases is mass vaccination considered ineffective?

Tetanus. ***Correct: Tetanus*** - Mass vaccination is considered **ineffective** for tetanus because it is **not a communicable disease** transmitted person-to-person - Tetanus is caused by **Clostridium tetani** spores present in soil and environment - Since there is **no herd immunity** benefit, vaccinating large populations simultaneously does not break any chain of transmission - **Individual immunization** with tetanus toxoid is highly effective for personal protection, but this is different from mass vaccination strategies used for communicable diseases - The focus for tetanus prevention is on **universal immunization** and **wound management**, not mass campaigns *Incorrect: Measles* - Mass vaccination for measles is **highly effective** due to its person-to-person transmission - Achieving high vaccination coverage (>95%) provides **herd immunity** and can lead to **elimination** - The **MMR vaccine** is a cornerstone of mass immunization programs worldwide *Incorrect: Polio* - Mass vaccination campaigns (Pulse Polio) have been **extremely effective** in nearly eradicating polio globally - The disease spreads through the fecal-oral route, making mass vaccination crucial for breaking transmission chains - Both **OPV** and **IPV** provide individual and community protection through herd immunity *Incorrect: None of the options* - This is incorrect because tetanus is a clear example where mass vaccination strategy is ineffective due to lack of person-to-person transmission

Q: According to WHO guidelines, what prevalence of Bitot's spots indicates a public health problem?

≥ 0.5% prevalence. ***≥ 0.5% prevalence*** - According to **WHO guidelines**, a prevalence of Bitot's spots of **≥ 0.5%** (greater than or equal to 0.5%) in children aged 6-71 months indicates a **moderate public health problem** related to **vitamin A deficiency**. - This threshold is used for **programmatic decision-making** and intervention strategies to combat **xerophthalmia** (vitamin A deficiency eye disease). - At **≥ 1.0%** prevalence, it indicates a **severe public health problem**. *> 1% prevalence* - While ≥ 1% prevalence indicates a **severe public health problem**, the **initial WHO threshold** for identifying a public health problem due to **vitamin A deficiency** as indicated by Bitot's spots is **≥ 0.5%**. - This allows for **earlier public health action** before the situation becomes severe. *> 2% prevalence* - A prevalence of 2% implies a **critical vitamin A deficiency situation**, far exceeding the **WHO's diagnostic threshold** for initiating public health interventions. - Interventions would be critically urgent at this level, but the criteria for recognizing a problem are met at **≥ 0.5%**. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because the **WHO has specific guidelines** for the prevalence of **Bitot's spots** that indicate a public health problem. - The correct threshold of **≥ 0.5%** is provided among the choices, which is the established criterion for a **moderate public health problem**.

Q: What is the minimum percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to eradicate measles?

95%. **95%** - Measles is highly contagious, requiring a **high percentage of immunity** in the population to establish **herd immunity** and prevent outbreaks. - A **95% vaccination coverage** ensures that enough individuals are protected, breaking the chain of transmission and leading to potential eradication. *85%* - This percentage is **insufficient** for highly transmissible diseases like measles. - An 85% vaccination rate would still leave a significant portion of the population susceptible, allowing measles to **continue circulating** and causing outbreaks. *70%* - This level of vaccination is **far too low** for measles, which has a basic reproduction number (R0) of 12-18. - A 70% coverage would result in frequent and widespread measles outbreaks due to **inadequate herd immunity**. *80%* - While 80% vaccination offers some protection, it is still **below the threshold** needed for measles eradication. - Measles outbreaks can still occur with an 80% coverage, particularly in populations with **non-uniform distribution of immunity**.

Q: Secondary prevention is applicable to

Early stage of disease. ***Early stage of disease*** - **Secondary prevention** focuses on early detection and prompt treatment to halt the progression of an existing disease. - This stage is crucial for interventions like **screening tests** and **early diagnosis**, which aim to minimize the impact of the disease once it has begun. *Factors leading to disease* - This relates to **primary prevention**, which aims to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place by addressing risk factors or promoting health. - Examples include **vaccination** or promoting healthy lifestyle choices. *Advanced stage of disease* - This is the domain of **tertiary prevention**, which focuses on managing the disease, preventing complications, and improving quality of life once the disease is well-established. - Rehabilitation and long-term care are key aspects of this stage. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because secondary prevention specifically targets the **early stage of disease** to prevent further progression and adverse outcomes.

Question 1

What are the serogroups covered by the bivalent meningococcal vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Serogroup A and C

Answer

Serogroup A

Answer

Serogroup W

Answer

Serogroup C

Question 2

Which is the main vector of Dengue?

Accepted Answer

A. aegypti

Answer

Culex

Answer

Anopheles

Answer

Aedes scutellaris

Question 3

Which of the following is a zoonotic disease?

Accepted Answer

Hydatid cyst

Answer

Malaria

Answer

Filariasis

Answer

Dengue fever

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the Late Expanding Phase of the Demographic Cycle is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Death Rate declines more than Birth Rate

Answer

Death Rate becomes significantly lower than Birth Rate during this phase

Answer

Birth Rate remains consistently high while Death Rate starts to decline significantly

Answer

Birth Rate remains higher than Death Rate, leading to population growth

Question 5

What does the net reproduction rate indicate?

Accepted Answer

Average number of daughters a newborn girl will have during her lifetime

Answer

Number of live births per 1000 mid-year population

Answer

Number of live births per 1000 women of child bearing age

Answer

None of the options

Question 6

Which agency monitors air quality in India?

Accepted Answer

Central pollution control board

Answer

None of the above

Answer

Central air quality board

Answer

Central public works dept

Question 7

In which of the following diseases is mass vaccination considered ineffective?

Accepted Answer

Tetanus

Answer

None of the options

Answer

Measles

Answer

Polio

Question 8

According to WHO guidelines, what prevalence of Bitot's spots indicates a public health problem?

Accepted Answer

≥ 0.5% prevalence

Answer

> 1% prevalence

Answer

> 2% prevalence

Answer

None of the options

Question 9

What is the minimum percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to eradicate measles?

Accepted Answer

95%

Answer

85%

Answer

70%

Answer

80%

Question 10

Secondary prevention is applicable to

Accepted Answer

Early stage of disease

Answer

Factors leading to disease

Answer

Advanced stage of disease

Answer

None of the options

NEET-PG 2012 — Community Medicine