Question 1

Which of the following best describes septicemia, and how does it differ from bacteremia?

Accepted Answer

Septicemia is a systemic infection where pathogens and their toxins are actively multiplying in the blood, often leading to severe symptoms, whereas bacteremia is the transient presence of bacteria in the blood without necessarily causing symptoms.

Question 2

A patient presents with a high fever, chills, and a rapidly spreading black lesion on the skin after being bitten by a flea. Which disease is most likely, and what is the causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Bubonic plague caused by Yersinia pestis

Question 3

Which of the following statements about malaria is correct?

Accepted Answer

Malaria is a protozoal disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, and its symptoms include cyclical fever and chills.

Question 4

A 5-year-old child develops a sore throat with white patches and a high fever. Laboratory tests reveal Gram-positive cocci in chains. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus pyogenes

Question 5

Which of the following is a key difference between viral and bacterial diarrheal illnesses in the gastrointestinal tract?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial diarrheal illnesses often involve invasion or toxin production, while viral diarrheal illnesses (such as those caused by rotavirus or norovirus) usually cause watery diarrhea without blood or pus.

Question 6

A patient develops severe muscle pain, jaundice, and kidney dysfunction after swimming in freshwater contaminated with animal urine. Which disease is most likely, and what is its causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Leptospirosis caused by Leptospira interrogans

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why HIV can be discussed in both the cardiovascular and genitourinary chapters?

Accepted Answer

HIV is a blood-borne virus that can be transmitted sexually, affecting both the cardiovascular (via viremia) and genitourinary systems (as an STD).

Question 8

A patient presents with a bull's-eye rash, fever, and joint pain after a recent hiking trip in Connecticut. Which disease is most likely, and what is the vector?

Accepted Answer

Lyme disease; vector is the Ixodes tick

Question 9

Which of the following is a common cause of food intoxication, and what is the primary mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus aureus; produces preformed enterotoxins that cause rapid-onset vomiting and diarrhea

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the normal biota of the respiratory tract?

Accepted Answer

The lower respiratory tract is sterile, while the upper respiratory tract contains a diverse microbiota including Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Haemophilus species.

Question 11

A newborn develops sepsis shortly after birth. The mother tested positive for Group B Streptococcus during pregnancy. Which of the following best explains the likely route of infection?

Accepted Answer

The newborn was exposed to Group B Streptococcus during passage through the birth canal.

Question 12

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of tuberculosis compared to pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis is characterized by granuloma formation in the lungs, while pneumonia typically involves acute inflammation and consolidation.

Question 13

A patient presents with severe watery diarrhea after eating undercooked chicken. Which organism is most likely responsible, and what is a key virulence factor?

Accepted Answer

Salmonella; ability to invade intestinal epithelial cells

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue) in the gastrointestinal tract?

Accepted Answer

GALT is a component of the immune system that protects against pathogens entering through the gut.

Question 15

A sexually active adult presents with a painless ulcer on the genitals, followed weeks later by a rash on the palms and soles. Which disease is most likely, and what is the causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum

Question 16

Which of the following is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks on cruise ships, and what is a key feature of its transmission?

Accepted Answer

Norovirus; highly contagious and transmitted via the fecal-oral route

Question 17

A patient presents with a severe cough followed by a 'whooping' sound during inspiration. Which disease is most likely, and what is the causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Pertussis caused by Bordetella pertussis

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why hepatitis B and C are considered both liver and sexually transmitted diseases?

Accepted Answer

They infect the liver and can be transmitted through blood and sexual contact, making them both hepatic and sexually transmitted diseases.

Question 19

A child presents with a barking cough and inspiratory stridor. Which disease is most likely, and what is a common causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Croup; commonly caused by parainfluenza virus

Question 20

A patient develops a rapidly progressing hemorrhagic fever after travel to West Africa. Which viral diseases should be considered, and what is a key feature of their transmission?

Accepted Answer

Ebola and Marburg; transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals

Unit 4 Study Guide: Infectious Diseases of Major Body Systems

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards