UPSC-CMS 2021 Practice Questions

Q: A 2 year old child has presented for vaccination, who has never been vaccinated earlier. As per the Universal Immunization Program, which vaccines will be administered to the child on the first visit?

BCG, DPT-I and Measles vaccine. ***BCG, DPT-I and Measles vaccine*** - As per the **Universal Immunization Program (UIP)** for a previously unvaccinated child, **all age-appropriate vaccines** should be administered on the first visit. - At 2 years of age, the child is eligible for **BCG**, the first dose of **DPT (DPT-I)**, and **Measles vaccine** (if no prior measles vaccination, which is the case here). *BCG and Hepatitis B vaccine* - While **BCG** is appropriate, **Hepatitis B vaccine** is typically given at birth and then subsequent doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks as part of the primary series. A 2-year-old would likely need further doses of DPT and Measles. - This option misses other crucial age-appropriate vaccines like **DPT-I** and the **Measles vaccine** for a 2-year-old child. *DPT-I vaccine only* - Administering only **DPT-I** would result in missed opportunities for protection against **tuberculosis (BCG)** and **measles**, both of which are critical for a 2-year-old. - This approach does not follow the principle of providing **all age-appropriate vaccines** on the first contact with an unvaccinated child. *DPT-I and Hepatitis B vaccine* - This option correctly includes **DPT-I** but misses the essential **BCG** and **Measles vaccine** for a 2-year-old, which are crucial for this age group. - While Hepatitis B is important, the primary series would have been missed, and focusing solely on DPT-I and Hepatitis B for a 2-year-old is an incomplete vaccination schedule.

Q: DANIDA, the international aid agency of Denmark, is known for its assistance to which one of India’s National Health Programmes ?

National Blindness Control Programme. ***National Blindness Control Programme*** - **DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency)** has been a significant international partner providing funding and technical assistance to India’s **National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB)** since its inception. - This collaboration aimed at reducing the prevalence of blindness through various interventions, including **cataract surgeries**, development of eye care infrastructure, and training of personnel. *National Tuberculosis Control Programme* - The **National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP)**, later restructured as the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (**RNTCP**), received substantial support from organizations such as the **World Bank**, Global Fund, and other bilateral agencies. - DANIDA's primary focus was not on the tuberculosis control program, though general health system strengthening could indirectly benefit all health programs. *National Deafness Control Programme* - The **National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD)** is a newer initiative compared to the other programs listed, and its international funding sources are typically distinct. - While international aid agencies often support health initiatives, DANIDA's specific historical and sustained involvement is not primarily with India's deafness control efforts. *National AIDS Control Programme* - The **National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)** has received significant international funding and technical support from organizations such as the **Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)**, **UNAIDS**, and the **World Bank**. - DANIDA's contributions have primarily been directed towards other health areas, with its major programmatic support in India being for the control of blindness.

Q: After attending a birthday party in a hostel around 50 students reported having loose stools, fever and a few reported vomiting. This outbreak can be identified as what type of outbreak ?

Common point source only. ***Common point source only*** - This outbreak shows all characteristics of a **common point source (point source) outbreak** where multiple individuals were exposed to the same contaminated source at a **single time and place** (the birthday party). - The symptoms (loose stools, fever, vomiting) all represent **clinical manifestations of food poisoning**, not evidence of secondary transmission. - Common point source outbreaks typically show a **sharp rise in cases followed by a rapid decline**, with all cases occurring within **one incubation period** of the exposure. - This is the classic pattern seen in **foodborne outbreaks** at events like parties, weddings, or gatherings. *Both propagated and common point source* - There is **no evidence of person-to-person transmission** or secondary cases in this scenario. - Vomiting is simply a **symptom of the foodborne illness**, not an indicator of propagated spread. - A mixed outbreak would require evidence of **successive waves of cases** beyond the initial exposure, which is not described here. *Common source continuous* - Continuous common source outbreaks occur when exposure to the contaminated source is **prolonged or intermittent** over time, creating a plateau in the epidemic curve. - This scenario describes a **single event** (birthday party) with acute exposure, not ongoing contamination. - Examples of continuous source outbreaks include contaminated water supplies or ongoing food contamination at a restaurant. *Propagated only* - Propagated outbreaks are characterized by **person-to-person transmission** leading to successive waves of cases over **multiple incubation periods**. - This scenario has a clear **point source exposure** (birthday party) as the initiating event, not person-to-person spread. - Examples of propagated outbreaks include measles, chickenpox, or other communicable diseases spreading through a population.

Q: Which of the following vaccines are given through the intramuscular route? 1. BCG vaccine 2. Hepatitis B vaccine 3. Pentavalent vaccine 4. Inactivated Polio vaccine

2, 3 and 4. ***2, 3 and 4*** - The **Hepatitis B vaccine**, **Pentavalent vaccine** (DPT-Hib-HepB), and **Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)** are all administered via the **intramuscular (IM)** route to ensure proper absorption and immune response. - Intramuscular injection is preferred for these vaccines to deliver antigens directly into muscle tissue, promoting effective antigen-presenting cell uptake. *1, 2 and 3* - This option incorrectly includes the **BCG vaccine**, which is administered intradermally, not intramuscularly. - The **BCG vaccine** creates a localized immune response in the skin, which is crucial for its protective mechanism against tuberculosis. *1, 3 and 4* - This combination is incorrect because it includes the **BCG vaccine**, which is given intradermally. - Administering **BCG intramuscularly** could lead to adverse reactions and reduce vaccine efficacy. *1, 2 and 4* - This option is incorrect as it again includes the **BCG vaccine**, which is administered **intradermally**. - Proper route of administration is critical for vaccine safety and effectiveness, and only **Hepatitis B, Pentavalent, and IPV** are given intramuscularly among the listed choices.

Q: Which of the following agencies are playing a key role in running of the "COVAX" initiative against COVID-19? 1. GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance 2. World Health Organisation (WHO) 3. Ford Foundation 4. Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

1, 2 and 4. ***1, 2 and 4*** - **GAVI (the Vaccine Alliance)**, **WHO (World Health Organization)**, and **CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations)** are the three official co-leads of the COVAX initiative. - **GAVI** serves as the procurement and delivery coordinator, leveraging its expertise in vaccine distribution in low-income countries. - **WHO** provides global health leadership, regulatory guidance, and ensures alignment with international health standards. - **CEPI** focuses on financing and coordinating vaccine research, development, and manufacturing. - These three organizations formed COVAX in 2020 as part of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator to ensure equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines. *1, 2 and 3* - While **GAVI** and **WHO** are correctly identified as co-leads, the **Ford Foundation** is not a primary operational partner or co-leader of COVAX. - Ford Foundation may provide philanthropic support, but it does not play a direct key role in running the initiative. - This option incorrectly excludes **CEPI**, which is an essential co-lead responsible for vaccine R&D. *2, 3 and 4* - This option incorrectly excludes **GAVI**, which is one of the three core co-leaders of COVAX. - **GAVI's** role in vaccine procurement and delivery to COVAX is fundamental to the initiative's success. - The **Ford Foundation** is not a key operational agency in running COVAX. *1, 2, 3 and 4* - While **GAVI, WHO, and CEPI** (1, 2, and 4) are the correct co-leads, the **Ford Foundation** is not a primary partner in running COVAX. - Including all four agencies incorrectly elevates the Ford Foundation to the same level as the three official co-leaders.

Q: Covaxin is a/an

Inactivated whole virus vaccine. ***Inactivated whole virus vaccine*** - Covaxin is an **inactivated** vaccine, meaning it uses a **killed version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus** that cannot cause disease but can still stimulate an immune response. - This type of vaccine presents the **entire viral structure** to the immune system, leading to a broad immune response against various viral proteins. *Live attenuated vaccine* - A live attenuated vaccine uses a **weakened form of the virus** that can still replicate but does not cause severe disease. - While effective, live attenuated vaccines often carry a small risk of reversion to virulence, which is not the case for Covaxin. *Nucleic acid vaccine* - Nucleic acid vaccines (like mRNA or DNA vaccines) deliver **genetic material** (e.g., mRNA for the spike protein) into host cells to produce viral proteins, triggering an immune response. - Covaxin does not use genetic material directly for antigen production. *Protein subunit vaccine* - Protein subunit vaccines contain only specific, purified viral proteins (e.g., the spike protein) that are highly immunogenic. - Unlike subunit vaccines, Covaxin presents the immune system with the **entire inactivated virus**, not just isolated proteins.

Question 1

A 2 year old child has presented for vaccination, who has never been vaccinated earlier. As per the Universal Immunization Program, which vaccines will be administered to the child on the first visit?

Accepted Answer

BCG, DPT-I and Measles vaccine

Answer

BCG and Hepatitis B vaccine

Answer

DPT-I vaccine only

Answer

DPT-I and Hepatitis B vaccine

Question 2

Consider the following statements :

Statement-1 : In the National Immunization Program, BCG vaccine is given only on the left upper arm

Statement-2 : This is done to maintain uniformity and for helping surveyors in verifying receipt of the vaccine

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above Statements ?

Accepted Answer

Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct and Statement-2 is the correct explanation for Statement-1

Answer

Statement-1 is true but Statement-2 is false

Answer

Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct and Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for Statement-1

Answer

Statement-2 is true but Statement-1 is false

Question 3

DANIDA, the international aid agency of Denmark, is known for its assistance to which one of India’s National Health Programmes ?

Accepted Answer

National Blindness Control Programme

Answer

National Tuberculosis Control Programme

Answer

National Deafness Control Programme

Answer

National AIDS Control Programme

Question 4

After attending a birthday party in a hostel around 50 students reported having loose stools, fever and a few reported vomiting. This outbreak can be identified as what type of outbreak ?

Accepted Answer

Common point source only

Answer

Common source continuous

Answer

Propagated only

Answer

Both propagated and common point source

Question 5

Which of the following vaccines are given through the intramuscular route?

1. BCG vaccine
2. Hepatitis B vaccine
3. Pentavalent vaccine
4. Inactivated Polio vaccine

Accepted Answer

2, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 4

Question 6

Which of the following agencies are playing a key role in running of the "COVAX" initiative against COVID-19?

1. GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance
2. World Health Organisation (WHO)
3. Ford Foundation
4. Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

2, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4

Question 7

Covaxin is a/an

Accepted Answer

Inactivated whole virus vaccine

Answer

Live attenuated vaccine

Answer

Nucleic acid vaccine

Answer

Protein subunit vaccine

UPSC-CMS 2021

Community Medicine

Microbiology