UPSC-CMS 2020 - Community Medicine Practice Questions

Q: The presence of which of the following bacteria in drinking water is an important confirmatory evidence of recent faecal pollution of water?

E. coli. ***E. coli*** - The presence of **Escherichia coli** (E. coli) in drinking water is a definitive indicator of **recent fecal contamination**. - **E. coli** is a bacterium that normally lives in the intestines of humans and animals and its presence suggests a direct pathway for fecal matter to enter the water supply. *Streptococci* - **Fecal streptococci** (now often referred to as enterococci) can indicate fecal contamination, but they are not as specific as E. coli for **recent human fecal pollution** because they can persist longer in the environment and are found in both human and animal feces. - While useful as an indicator, they are generally considered **less precise for recent human fecal contamination** compared to E. coli. *Klebsiella* - **Klebsiella** species are found in the gastrointestinal tract and can be present in water, but their primary habitat is not exclusively fecal, as they can also be found in soil and on plants. - Therefore, their presence in water is **not as reliable an indicator** of recent fecal pollution as E. coli. *Clostridium* - **Clostridium perfringens** is a spore-forming bacterium found in feces, but its spores are highly resistant and can survive in the environment for extended periods. - Its presence indicates **past or intermittent fecal contamination** rather than recent contamination, making it less suitable for confirming recent fecal pollution.

Q: With regard to the Goals, Milestones and Targets for the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (2016-2030), consider the following statements: 1. Compared to 2015, the target is to reduce the malaria mortality rates globally by at least 90% by year 2030 2. Compared to 2015, the target is to reduce malaria case incidence by 90% by year 2030 3. Eliminate malaria from at least 35 countries, where malaria was transmitted in 2015, by year 2030 Which of the above statements hold true?

1, 2 and 3. ***1, 2 and 3*** - All three statements accurately reflect the **core targets** set by the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (2016-2030). - These ambitious goals aim to achieve significant reductions in malaria burden and eventual eradication in many regions. *1 and 3 only* - This option is incorrect because it omits statement 2, which is a verified goal for **reducing malaria case incidence**. - All three statements are indeed part of the strategy's published objectives. *1 and 2 only* - This option is incorrect as it excludes statement 3 regarding the **elimination of malaria** from at least 35 countries. - The strategy encompasses all three stated objectives for global malaria control. *2 and 3 only* - This option is incorrect because it fails to include statement 1, which specifies the target for **reducing malaria mortality rates**. - The strategy explicitly addresses all three aspects: mortality, incidence, and country-level elimination.

Q: The incidence of diarrhoea is highest among infants in the age group of 6–11 months due to all of the following reasons EXCEPT:

Eruption of teeth. ***Eruption of teeth*** - While teething can cause discomfort and sometimes lead to mild, temporary changes in bowel movements, it is **not a direct cause of diarrhea** and does not significantly increase the incidence of diarrheal diseases in this age group. - The physiological process of tooth eruption itself doesn't introduce pathogens that cause diarrheal illness or significantly compromise immune defenses in a way that leads to increased diarrhea. *Introduction of foods which may be contaminated* - This is a significant factor as infants begin complementary feeding, introducing them to **foods prepared with unhygienic practices** or contaminated water. - Exposure to new pathogens through solid foods increases the risk of **gastrointestinal infections**. *Declining level of maternal antibodies* - Maternal antibodies provided through breast milk decline significantly around 6 months, reducing the infant's **passive immunity** and making them more susceptible to infections, including those causing diarrhea. - This immunological gap coincides with the period when infants are more exposed to environmental pathogens. *Direct contact with human or animal faeces* - As infants become more mobile and explore their environment by crawling and putting objects in their mouths, their risk of exposure to **fecal-oral pathogens** from contaminated surfaces or hands increases. - Poor hygiene practices in handling infant waste or animal contact can lead to increased transmission of diarrheal causing agents.

Q: In the context of "Anti-Malaria Month Campaign", consider the following statements: 1. It is observed every year in the month of June 2. It is planned during the Monsoon season 3. It aims to enhance the level of community awareness and participation Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 and 3. ***1 and 3*** - The **Anti-Malaria Month Campaign** is observed annually in **June** to raise awareness and implement preventive measures ahead of peak malaria transmission during the monsoon season. - A primary objective is to **enhance community awareness and participation** in malaria control efforts through activities like vector control (larvicidal measures, source reduction), early case detection, and prompt treatment. - Statement 2 is incorrect because the campaign is **planned and launched in June**, which coincides with the **onset** of monsoon, but the planning phase occurs **before** the monsoon rains intensify. The phrase "planned during monsoon" incorrectly suggests the planning happens during the monsoon period, whereas planning occurs in the pre-monsoon period (April-May) for implementation starting in June. *1 and 2* - While statement 1 is correct (observed in June) and statement 3 would be correct (enhancing participation), statement 2 creates confusion about timing. - The campaign **planning occurs before the monsoon season** (April-May), and **implementation begins in June** as monsoon arrives. Saying it is "planned during monsoon" is technically inaccurate. *2 and 3* - Statement 2 is incorrect as explained above - the campaign planning precedes the monsoon season. - While statement 3 about enhancing community participation is correct, this combination is wrong due to statement 2. *3 only* - This misses statement 1, which is clearly correct - the Anti-Malaria Month Campaign has been traditionally observed in **June** every year as part of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). - Both statements 1 and 3 are correct, making this option incomplete.

Question 1

The presence of which of the following bacteria in drinking water is an important confirmatory evidence of recent faecal pollution of water?

Accepted Answer

E. coli

Answer

Streptococci

Answer

Klebsiella

Answer

Clostridium

Question 2

With regard to the Goals, Milestones and Targets for the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (2016-2030), consider the following statements:

1. Compared to 2015, the target is to reduce the malaria mortality rates globally by at least 90% by year 2030
2. Compared to 2015, the target is to reduce malaria case incidence by 90% by year 2030
3. Eliminate malaria from at least 35 countries, where malaria was transmitted in 2015, by year 2030

Which of the above statements hold true?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Question 3

The incidence of diarrhoea is highest among infants in the age group of 6–11 months due to all of the following reasons EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Eruption of teeth

Answer

Introduction of foods which may be contaminated

Answer

Declining level of maternal antibodies

Answer

Direct contact with human or animal faeces

Question 4

In the context of "Anti-Malaria Month Campaign", consider the following statements:

1. It is observed every year in the month of June

2. It is planned during the Monsoon season

3. It aims to enhance the level of community awareness and participation

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1 and 3

Answer

1 and 2

Answer

2 and 3

Answer

3 only

UPSC-CMS 2020 — Community Medicine