Incidence rate $$= \frac{\text{Number of new cases}}{\text{Population at risk during a time period}}$$

Prevalence $$= \frac{\text{Total number of cases}}{\text{Population}}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes an opportunistic pathogen?

Accepted Answer

A microbe that causes disease only when the host's defenses are compromised or a protective barrier is breached.

Question 2

Which term refers to the total number of existing cases of a disease in a population during a specified time period?

Accepted Answer

Prevalence

Question 3

A patient develops a urinary tract infection after being catheterized in a hospital. What type of infection is this?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare-associated infection (HAI)

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

A mosquito transmitting malaria by biting a human

Question 5

What is the primary goal of epidemiology?

Accepted Answer

To understand and prevent illness in populations

Question 6

Which equation correctly represents the incidence rate of a disease?

Accepted Answer

Incidence rate $$= \frac{	ext{Number of new cases}}{	ext{Population at risk during a time period}}$$

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a common source of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a pandemic?

Accepted Answer

An epidemic that spreads to numerous countries or continents and affects a large number of people

Question 9

A patient is infected with a pathogen but does not show any signs or symptoms. What is this type of infection called?

Accepted Answer

Latent infection

Question 10

Which of the following is a sign, not a symptom, of infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

Fever

Question 11

Which public health strategy is most effective for diseases with short incubation periods?

Accepted Answer

Quarantine

Question 12

Which of the following is a risk factor for the emergence or re-emergence of infectious diseases?

Accepted Answer

Urbanization

Question 13

Which term describes a disease that is easily and rapidly transmitted from one host to another?

Accepted Answer

Contagious disease

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Contaminated water

Question 15

Which of the following is a sequelae of an infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

Permanent, pathological complication such as paralysis after polio

Question 16

Which equation best represents prevalence?

Accepted Answer

Prevalence $$= \frac{	ext{Total number of cases}}{	ext{Population}}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a key function of the CDC in public health?

Accepted Answer

Establishing surveillance networks to detect outbreaks and monitor notifiable diseases

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good candidate for disease eradication?

Accepted Answer

Pathogen can cause latent infections

Question 19

Which of the following is a common preventive measure for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?

Accepted Answer

Consistent use of personal protective wear and hand washing

Question 20

A disease is described as having a rapid onset and short duration. Which term best describes this?

Accepted Answer

Acute

Principles of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions