Question 1

Which of the following best describes an opportunistic pathogen?

Accepted Answer

A pathogen that only causes disease when the host is weakened, such as by a compromised immune system.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Rabies transmitted from a bat to a human.

Question 3

A disease that is routinely detected in a population or region is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Endemic

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of Koch’s postulates?

Accepted Answer

They can always be used to identify the cause of latent infections.

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct pairing of pathogen and example disease from the six groups of pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Helminths – Schistosomiasis

Question 6

A patient develops a urinary tract infection after catheterization in a hospital. This infection is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

Healthcare-acquired infection (HAI)

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of indirect contact transmission?

Accepted Answer

Contracting influenza by touching a contaminated doorknob.

Question 8

Which stage of infectious disease is characterized by the highest pathogen levels and most severe symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Acute phase

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the epidemiological triangle?

Accepted Answer

It links the host, etiological agent, and environment in disease causation.

Question 10

Which of the following is a biological vector for disease transmission?

Accepted Answer

Mosquito

Question 11

Which of the following is a key reason why healthcare settings are hot zones for antibiotic-resistant pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Extensive use of antibiotics in these environments.

Question 12

Which of the following is the best example of a public health intervention to break the epidemiological triangle?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination campaigns to reduce susceptibility in the host population.

Question 13

Which of the following is a factor that contributes to the emergence of new infectious diseases?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation and urbanization

Question 14

Which of the following is a requirement for a disease to be a good candidate for eradication?

Accepted Answer

The disease is easily identifiable and human-specific.

Question 15

Which of the following is an ethical issue that has emerged in epidemiology?

Accepted Answer

Use of genetic information to discriminate against patients.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes herd immunity?

Accepted Answer

When a high percentage of the population is immune, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Asymptomatic carrier

Question 18

Which of the following is the most common source of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs)?

Accepted Answer

Contaminated medical devices and healthcare workers’ hands

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of an endogenous source of infection?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria from the patient’s own skin entering a surgical incision.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the prodromal phase of an infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

The patient starts to feel run down and may have mild symptoms.

Principles of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology (chapter 9)

Study Guide - Practice Questions