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 of the following is NOT a type of infectious disease that can be spread through contact with an infected shellfish?

  1. Vibrio vulnificus

  2. Vibrio parahaemolyticus

  3. Salmonella

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

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that is spread through contact with contaminated food or water.

Multiple choice

Which foodborne pathogen is commonly associated with undercooked poultry?

  1. Salmonella

  2. Listeria monocytogenes

  3. Escherichia coli (E. coli)

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

Salmonella is a common foodborne pathogen that can cause gastrointestinal illness. It is often associated with undercooked poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized milk.

Multiple choice

Which disease was responsible for the greatest number of deaths in the 19th century?

  1. Tuberculosis

  2. Cholera

  3. Smallpox

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

Tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in the 19th century, accounting for approximately one-quarter of all deaths.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common type of foodborne illness?

  1. Salmonella

  2. E. coli

  3. Botulism

  4. Norovirus

  5. Influenza
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Influenza is not a common type of foodborne illness. It is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.

Multiple choice

What is the primary mode of transmission for the common cold?

  1. Airborne

  2. Contact

  3. Fomite

  4. Vector-borne
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The common cold is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a bacterial infection:

  1. Tuberculosis

  2. Strep throat

  3. Influenza

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

Influenza is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus, not a bacterial infection.

Multiple choice

What is the causative agent of tuberculosis?

  1. Mycobacterium tuberculosis

  2. Streptococcus pneumoniae

  3. Staphylococcus aureus

  4. Escherichia coli
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
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.

Multiple choice

What is the primary mode of transmission for hepatitis A?

  1. Airborne

  2. Contact

  3. Fomite

  4. Fecal-oral
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
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.

Multiple choice

What is the causative agent of chickenpox?

  1. Varicella-zoster virus

  2. Herpes simplex virus

  3. Epstein-Barr virus

  4. Cytomegalovirus
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
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.

Multiple choice

What is the most common cause of sinusitis?

  1. Bacteria

  2. Virus

  3. Fungi

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

Viral infections are the most common cause of sinusitis, accounting for about 90% of cases.

Multiple choice

Which of these is a common cause of diarrhea among toddlers?

  1. Viral infections

  2. Bacterial infections

  3. Food allergies

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

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common respiratory disease?

  1. Asthma

  2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  3. Influenza

  4. Heart disease
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Heart disease is a cardiovascular condition, not a respiratory disease.

Multiple choice

The Great Plague of Marseille in 1720 was caused by:

  1. Bubonic Plague

  2. Pneumonic Plague

  3. Septicemic Plague

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

The Great Plague of Marseille was caused by the bubonic plague, which is transmitted by fleas carried by rats.

Multiple choice

What is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States?

  1. Bacteria

  2. Viruses

  3. Parasites

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

Bacteria are the most common cause of foodborne illness, accounting for over 70% of cases.

Multiple choice

What is the most common type of foodborne illness in the United States?

  1. Salmonella

  2. E. coli

  3. Listeria

  4. Campylobacter
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
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.