Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between normal microbiota and the host in which both organisms benefit?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Question 2

A patient presents with a fever and cough. Laboratory tests reveal the presence of bacteria in the blood. Which term best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Bacteremia

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a noncommunicable disease?

Accepted Answer

Tetanus

Question 4

A disease that is constantly present in a population, such as the common cold, is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Endemic

Question 5

Which of the following is the correct sequence for Koch’s postulates?

Accepted Answer

Isolate pathogen, grow in pure culture, inject into healthy host, observe disease, re-isolate pathogen

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why handwashing is effective in reducing nosocomial infections?

Accepted Answer

It removes transient microbiota and reduces the spread of pathogens

Question 7

A disease outbreak occurs in a city, affecting a large number of people in a short period. This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Epidemic

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Inherited sickle cell gene

Question 9

Which of the following best describes herd immunity?

Accepted Answer

Immunity in most of the population protects those who are not immune

Question 10

A patient develops a urinary tract infection after being hospitalized for surgery. This infection is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

Nosocomial

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of vehicle transmission?

Accepted Answer

Drinking contaminated water

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between incidence and prevalence?

Accepted Answer

Incidence measures new cases over a period; prevalence measures all existing cases at a given time

Question 13

Which of the following is a common cause of antibiotic-resistant nosocomial infections?

Accepted Answer

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Question 14

A disease with a period of no symptoms when the causative agent is inactive is called:

Accepted Answer

Latent

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

A mosquito transmitting Plasmodium (malaria) after the parasite reproduces in the mosquito

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a syndrome?

Accepted Answer

A specific group of signs and symptoms that accompany a disease

Question 17

Which of the following is a key function of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?

Accepted Answer

Collecting and analyzing epidemiological information in the US

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a zoonosis?

Accepted Answer

Rabies

Question 19

A patient is infected with a virus but shows no noticeable signs or symptoms. This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Subclinical disease

Question 20

Which of the following best describes microbial antagonism?

Accepted Answer

Competition between normal microbiota and pathogens for nutrients and space

Principles of Disease and Epidemiology: Pathology, Infection, and Disease

Study Guide - Practice Questions