Biology ยท Science General

Disease Causative Agents

2,531 Questions

Disease causative agents questions test your understanding of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, along with their transmission methods. These are common topics in general science sections of SSC and railways exams. Practice these questions to accurately identify disease pathogens and symptoms.

Viral diseasesFoodborne illnessesDisease transmission methodsExtrinsic disease factorsCommon pathogens

Disease Causative Agents Questions

Multiple choice

Which childhood illness is characterized by a fever, headache, and a rash of small, red spots?

  1. Measles

  2. Rubella

  3. Scarlet fever

  4. Roseola
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus). It is characterized by a fever, headache, and a rash of small, red spots that typically appears on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.

Multiple choice

What is the most common cause of pneumonia in children?

  1. Bacteria

  2. Virus

  3. Fungus

  4. Parasite
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia in children, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the leading bacterial culprit. Viral pneumonia is also common, particularly in younger children.

Multiple choice

Which childhood illness is caused by a virus that attacks the liver?

  1. Hepatitis A

  2. Hepatitis B

  3. Hepatitis C

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Hepatitis A, B, and C are all viral infections that can affect the liver. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food or water, Hepatitis B through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, and Hepatitis C through contact with infected blood.

Multiple choice

Which childhood illness is characterized by a fever, headache, and a stiff neck, and can lead to paralysis?

  1. Polio

  2. Tetanus

  3. Meningitis

  4. Encephalitis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Polio, caused by the poliovirus, is a highly infectious disease that can lead to paralysis. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, and muscle pain. While the polio vaccine has largely eradicated the disease in many parts of the world, it remains a concern in some regions.

Multiple choice

Which disease is the leading cause of death among children under five in rural India?

  1. Diarrhea

  2. Pneumonia

  3. Malaria

  4. Tuberculosis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Diarrhea is the leading cause of death among children under five in rural India, primarily due to poor sanitation and hygiene practices, lack of access to clean water, and inadequate healthcare facilities.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a non-communicable disease?

  1. Malaria

  2. Tuberculosis

  3. Heart disease

  4. HIV/AIDS
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Heart disease is a non-communicable disease, while malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS are communicable diseases.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common musculoskeletal infection associated with substance abuse disorders?

  1. Cellulitis

  2. Abscess

  3. Osteomyelitis

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Substance abuse disorders can increase the risk of developing cellulitis, abscesses, and osteomyelitis.

Multiple choice

What is the most common cause of pneumonia?

  1. Bacteria

  2. Viruses

  3. Fungi

  4. Parasites
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia, accounting for over 50% of cases.

Multiple choice

What is the most common cause of tuberculosis?

  1. Bacteria

  2. Viruses

  3. Fungi

  4. Parasites
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Bacteria are the most common cause of tuberculosis, specifically the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a biological hazard that can be found in a healthcare workplace?

  1. Bacteria

  2. Viruses

  3. Fungi

  4. Parasites
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
Correct answer
Explanation

All of the above biological hazards can be found in a healthcare workplace. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all cause infections and diseases in humans.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause genital warts?

  1. Chlamydia

  2. Gonorrhea

  3. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

  4. Syphilis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are other STIs, but they do not cause genital warts.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the urethra in men?

  1. Chlamydia

  2. Gonorrhea

  3. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

  4. Syphilis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the urethra in men. Chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis are other STIs, but they do not cause urethritis in men.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the cervix in women?

  1. Chlamydia

  2. Gonorrhea

  3. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

  4. Syphilis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the cervix in women. Gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis are other STIs, but they do not cause cervicitis in women.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the epididymis in men?

  1. Chlamydia

  2. Gonorrhea

  3. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

  4. Syphilis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the epididymis in men. Gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis are other STIs, but they do not cause epididymitis in men.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes in women?

  1. Chlamydia

  2. Gonorrhea

  3. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

  4. Syphilis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes in women. Gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis are other STIs, but they do not cause salpingitis in women.