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

What was the primary cause of death during the Black Death pandemic?

  1. Bubonic plague

  2. Pneumonic plague

  3. Septicemic plague

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

The bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, was the primary cause of death during the Black Death pandemic.

Multiple choice

What was the primary cause of death during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-19?

  1. Bacterial pneumonia

  2. Viral pneumonia

  3. Tuberculosis

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

Viral pneumonia caused by the influenza virus was the primary cause of death during the Spanish Flu pandemic.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a primary mode of disease transmission?

  1. Airborne

  2. Waterborne

  3. Vector-borne

  4. Direct contact
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Direct contact is not considered a primary mode of disease transmission as it involves physical contact between an infected individual and a susceptible host, rather than through an intermediate medium like air, water, or a vector.

Multiple choice

What term describes a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans?

  1. Endemic

  2. Epidemic

  3. Zoonotic

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

Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animals to humans, either directly or indirectly through an intermediate host.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a zoonotic disease?

  1. Influenza

  2. Malaria

  3. Rabies

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

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus, which is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as a dog or a bat.

Multiple choice

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

  1. Airborne

  2. Waterborne

  3. Vector-borne

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

The common cold is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing droplets containing the virus into the air.

Multiple choice

Which disease is caused by a prion, a type of infectious protein?

  1. Mad cow disease

  2. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

  3. Alzheimer's disease

  4. Parkinson's disease
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), is caused by a prion, a type of infectious protein that can cause degeneration of the brain and spinal cord.

Multiple choice

What is the primary mode of transmission for measles?

  1. Airborne

  2. Waterborne

  3. Vector-borne

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

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a zoonotic disease?

  1. Rabies

  2. Influenza

  3. Ebola

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

Influenza is not a zoonotic disease as it is primarily transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets.

Multiple choice

What is the primary mode of transmission for tuberculosis?

  1. Airborne

  2. Waterborne

  3. Vector-borne

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

Tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing droplets containing the bacteria into the air.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a foodborne disease?

  1. Malaria

  2. Rabies

  3. Salmonella

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

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness when contaminated food is consumed.