Biology ยท Science General
Disease Causative Agents
2,258 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
Which of the following is NOT a bacterial infection:
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Tuberculosis
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Strep throat
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Influenza
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Pneumonia
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Influenza is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus, not a bacterial infection.
What is the primary mode of transmission for measles?
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Airborne
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Contact
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Fomite
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Vector-borne
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Measles is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What is the causative agent of tuberculosis?
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Mycobacterium tuberculosis
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Streptococcus pneumoniae
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Staphylococcus aureus
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Escherichia coli
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What is the primary mode of transmission for hepatitis A?
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Airborne
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Contact
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Fomite
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Fecal-oral
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning that it is spread through contact with contaminated food, water, or objects.
What is the causative agent of chickenpox?
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Varicella-zoster virus
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Herpes simplex virus
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Epstein-Barr virus
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Cytomegalovirus
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is a highly contagious virus that is spread through contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets or through direct contact with the blisters caused by the infection.
What is the most common cause of sinusitis?
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Bacteria
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Virus
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Fungi
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Allergies
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Viral infections are the most common cause of sinusitis, accounting for about 90% of cases.
Which of these is a common cause of diarrhea among toddlers?
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Viral infections
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Bacterial infections
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Food allergies
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Viral infections, bacterial infections, and food allergies can all cause diarrhea among toddlers. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the cause of your child's diarrhea and ensure that they are receiving appropriate treatment.
Which of the following is NOT a common respiratory disease?
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Asthma
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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Influenza
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Heart disease
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Heart disease is a cardiovascular condition, not a respiratory disease.
The Great Plague of Marseille in 1720 was caused by:
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Bubonic Plague
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Pneumonic Plague
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Septicemic Plague
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All of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Great Plague of Marseille was caused by the bubonic plague, which is transmitted by fleas carried by rats.
What is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States?
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Bacteria
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Viruses
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Parasites
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Toxins
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bacteria are the most common cause of foodborne illness, accounting for over 70% of cases.
What is the most common type of foodborne illness in the United States?
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Salmonella
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E. coli
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Listeria
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Campylobacter
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Salmonella is the most common type of foodborne illness in the United States, causing an estimated 1 million cases each year.
What is the most common type of foodborne illness caused by a virus?
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Norovirus
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Hepatitis A
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Rotavirus
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Polio
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Norovirus is the most common type of foodborne illness caused by a virus, causing an estimated 21 million cases each year in the United States.
What is the most common cause of sudden hearing loss in children?
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Meningitis
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Mumps
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Measles
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Meningitis, mumps, and measles can all cause sudden hearing loss in children.
What is the most common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in older adults?
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Chlamydia
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Gonorrhea
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Syphilis
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Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in older adults.
Which of the following is a common waterborne infectious disease caused by bacteria?
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Cholera
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Typhoid Fever
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Hepatitis A
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Giardiasis
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is transmitted through contaminated water or food.