Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between normal microbiota and the human host in the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism, because both the bacteria and the host benefit.

Question 2

A patient develops a urinary tract infection caused by Escherichia coli, a bacterium normally found in the colon. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

An opportunistic infection

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a step in Koch’s Postulates?

Accepted Answer

The organism must be found in all healthy individuals.

Question 4

Which of the following best defines 'incidence' in epidemiology?

Accepted Answer

The number of new cases of a disease during a particular time period.

Question 5

A disease that is constantly present at low levels in a specific geographic area is called:

Accepted Answer

Endemic

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of vehicle transmission?

Accepted Answer

Drinking water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae

Question 7

Which of the following best describes herd immunity?

Accepted Answer

Immunity in most of a population, reducing the spread of disease

Question 8

A patient is infected with a pathogen but does not show any symptoms and can still transmit the disease. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

A subclinical infection

Question 9

Which of the following is a predisposing factor that can increase susceptibility to disease?

Accepted Answer

Receiving chemotherapy

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the prodromal period of a disease?

Accepted Answer

The period when mild, nonspecific symptoms begin to appear

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a biological vector?

Accepted Answer

A mosquito transmitting Plasmodium (malaria)

Question 12

A patient develops pneumonia after being hospitalized for surgery. This infection is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A nosocomial infection

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct example of a sign of disease?

Accepted Answer

Fever of 39°C

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the stages of a disease?

Accepted Answer

Incubation → Prodromal → Illness → Decline → Convalescence

Question 15

Which of the following is a method to control the spread of nosocomial infections?

Accepted Answer

Handwashing and cleaning instruments thoroughly

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a nonliving reservoir of infection?

Accepted Answer

A contaminated water source

Question 17

Which of the following best describes an epidemic?

Accepted Answer

A disease that occurs in unusually high numbers in a specific region over a short period

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct example of indirect contact transmission?

Accepted Answer

Touching a contaminated doorknob

Question 19

Which of the following is a contributing factor to emerging infectious diseases?

Accepted Answer

Evolution of new strains of pathogens

Question 20

Which of the following is the best definition of epidemiology?

Accepted Answer

The study of where and when diseases occur and how they are transmitted in populations

Principles of Disease and Epidemiology: Mini-Textbook Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions