Question 1

Which of the following best describes mutualism in the context of symbiotic relationships between microbes and their hosts?

Accepted Answer

Both organisms benefit from the relationship.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of an opportunistic pathogen?

Accepted Answer

A normal microbiota organism that causes disease when introduced to an unusual site in the body.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a way zoonoses can be transmitted to humans?

Accepted Answer

Eating contaminated food.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the difference between resident and transient microbiota?

Accepted Answer

Resident microbiota are present throughout life, while transient microbiota remain for a short period.

Question 5

A patient develops a fungal infection after taking broad-spectrum antibiotics. Which concept best explains this occurrence?

Accepted Answer

Changes in the normal microbiota.

Question 6

Which of the following is a nonliving reservoir of infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

A contaminated water source.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about human carriers is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Human carriers can transmit pathogens without ever developing illness themselves.

Question 8

Which of the following is most likely to disrupt the balance of normal microbiota, leading to opportunistic infections?

Accepted Answer

Taking broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes commensalism?

Accepted Answer

One organism benefits, the other is unaffected.

Question 10

A newborn’s microbiome begins to develop primarily during which process?

Accepted Answer

During the birthing process.

Question 11

Which of the following is a plausible reason why transient microbiota cannot persist in the body?

Accepted Answer

They are eliminated by the body’s defense cells.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of amensalism?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium produces a substance that inhibits the growth of another microbe without being affected itself.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a typical route for acquiring zoonoses?

Accepted Answer

Drinking contaminated water.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why humans are usually dead-end hosts for zoonotic pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Humans cannot transmit the pathogen back to animals or other humans efficiently.

Question 15

Which of the following genera is commonly found as resident microbiota in the upper respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of immune suppression leading to opportunistic infection?

Accepted Answer

An HIV-positive patient develops oral thrush caused by Candida.

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of nonliving reservoirs?

Accepted Answer

They include soil, water, and food.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of normal microbiota in preventing infection?

Accepted Answer

They compete with pathogens for nutrients and space.

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible outcome if normal microbiota are introduced into an unusual site in the body?

Accepted Answer

They may become opportunistic pathogens and cause disease.

Question 20

Which of the following is the best definition of a reservoir of infection?

Accepted Answer

A site where pathogens are maintained as a source of infection.

Infection, Infectious Diseases, and Epidemiology: Symbiosis, Microbiota, and Reservoirs

Study Guide - Practice Questions