Question 1

Which of the following is the primary etiological agent of mumps, and what is its genome type?

Accepted Answer

Mumps virus; single-stranded RNA

Question 2

A child presents with swelling of the parotid glands, fever, and dry mouth. Which progression pathway best describes the mumps virus infection?

Accepted Answer

Virus enters nose or mouth, replicates in upper respiratory tract, then enters bloodstream to infect salivary glands

Question 3

Which vaccine is recommended for the prevention of mumps?

Accepted Answer

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Question 4

Rotavirus is the leading cause of which condition in children under five years old, and what is the most serious complication?

Accepted Answer

Enteritis; dehydration

Question 5

A stool sample is tested for rapid identification of viral antigens. Which infection is most likely being diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Rotaviral gastroenteritis

Question 6

Norovirus outbreaks are most common in which setting, and what is the minimum infectious dose?

Accepted Answer

Long-term care facilities; 20 viral particles

Question 7

Which hepatitis virus is most likely to cause chronic infection and is associated with liver cancer and cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C virus

Question 8

A patient with hepatitis B is at risk for which of the following complications?

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Question 9

Which hepatitis virus requires coinfection with another hepatitis virus to cause disease?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis D

Question 10

Dental caries are primarily caused by which bacterial species, and what is the main acid produced that erodes enamel?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus mutans; lactic acid

Question 11

Which of the following is the best method to prevent dental caries according to federal guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Addition of fluoride to community water systems

Question 12

Periodontal disease progression involves which of the following steps?

Accepted Answer

Swollen gums pull away from the tooth, forming gaps colonized by bacteria

Question 13

Which bacterial species is most commonly associated with the formation of dental plaque and subsequent caries?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus mutans

Question 14

A patient presents with abdominal pain due to gastritis and is diagnosed with a stomach ulcer. Which bacterium is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Helicobacter pylori

Question 15

Which of the following is a key difference between foodborne infection and food poisoning (intoxication)?

Accepted Answer

Foodborne infection involves ingestion of live bacteria that multiply in the host, while food poisoning involves ingestion of preformed toxins

Question 16

Which bacterial species is a leading cause of food poisoning and is often linked to creamy salads and dairy-based foods?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 17

Campylobacteriosis is most commonly acquired by consuming which type of food, and what is a rare neurological complication associated with it?

Accepted Answer

Undercooked poultry; Guillain-Barré syndrome

Question 18

Shigellosis is characterized by which of the following mechanisms of disease?

Accepted Answer

Induction of endocytosis, toxin production, actin propulsion, and evasion of phagocytosis

Question 19

Which Escherichia coli serovar is most commonly associated with dysentery and deadly outbreaks linked to contaminated hamburgers?

Accepted Answer

E. coli O157:H7

Question 20

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is unique among Salmonella serovars because it:

Accepted Answer

Is transmitted only human-to-human and can cause typhoid fever

Digestive System Infections: Viral and Bacterial Pathogens

Study Guide - Practice Questions