Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between Staphylococcus epidermidis and human skin, as shown in Table 14.1?

Accepted Answer

Commensalism, because the bacterium benefits while the host is neither harmed nor benefited.

Question 2

A patient develops pneumonia after Streptococcus pneumoniae, normally found in the mouth, enters the lungs. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

An opportunistic infection caused by normal microbiota.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key reason why epidemiologists use maps and graphs in their studies?

Accepted Answer

To visually depict the occurrence and spread of disease in populations.

Question 4

Which stage of an acute infectious disease is characterized by the most severe signs and symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Illness

Question 5

According to Koch’s postulates, which step is necessary to prove that a specific microbe causes a specific disease?

Accepted Answer

The agent must be isolated and grown in pure culture.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a vector in disease transmission?

Accepted Answer

A tick transmitting Lyme disease

Question 7

A disease that is constantly present at a relatively stable frequency within a population is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Endemic

Question 8

Which of the following is a plausible reason why Koch’s postulates may not always be applicable?

Accepted Answer

Some pathogens cannot be grown in pure culture.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a nosocomial infection?

Accepted Answer

An infection acquired in a hospital setting.

Question 10

Which of the following is a sign, rather than a symptom, of disease?

Accepted Answer

Fever

Question 11

A disease that spreads rapidly and affects many individuals in a community at the same time is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Epidemic

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of vehicle transmission?

Accepted Answer

Drinking water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why it is important to know the reservoirs for a specific pathogen?

Accepted Answer

To develop effective strategies for disease prevention and control

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of a chronic disease?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms develop slowly and last a long time.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of mutualism in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria in the human colon producing vitamins

Question 16

A patient is infected with a pathogen but does not show any symptoms. This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Asymptomatic disease

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible scenario for secondary infection?

Accepted Answer

A patient develops a yeast infection after antibiotic treatment for pneumonia.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence of the stages of an acute infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

Incubation, prodromal, illness, decline, convalescence

Question 19

Which of the following is a common misconception about communicable diseases?

Accepted Answer

They are always caused by bacteria.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of a reservoir in infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

It is a source for survival and transmission of a pathogen.

Principles of Disease, Epidemiology, and Transmission in Microbiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions