Question 1

Which of the following best describes aspergillosis?

Accepted Answer

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species. When it invades lung tissue, especially in immunocompromised individuals, it can be highly fatal, leading to a high mortality rate.

Question 2

Indicate which of the following statements is false regarding whooping cough?

Accepted Answer

Animals are not a significant source of infection for whooping cough; it is primarily spread from person to person.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a characteristic of the influenza virus?

Accepted Answer

The influenza virus does not typically cause viremia, which is the presence of virus particles in the blood. Instead, it primarily infects the respiratory tract.

Question 4

Answer true or false to the reason given in the following statement: Mastoiditis is an uncommon problem but is very dangerous because of the proximity of this cavity to rest of the respiratory tract.

Accepted Answer

Mastoiditis is dangerous due to its proximity to the brain and the potential for serious infections to spread intracranially, not because of its proximity to the respiratory tract.

Question 5

Which of the following is most appropriate for histoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection associated with bird and bat droppings, as the fungus thrives in soil contaminated with these droppings.

Question 6

Answer true or false to the reason given in the following statement: Colonies of Corynebacterium diphtheriae resemble Chinese letters because of a unique interaction between the cells and the agar.

Accepted Answer

The "Chinese letter" appearance of Corynebacterium diphtheriae colonies is due to the characteristic V or L shapes the bacteria form during growth, not because of an interaction with the agar.

Question 7

Hantavirus infections

Accepted Answer

Hantavirus infections are transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva. The risk of transmission to humans is higher during periods when rodent populations are high, such as after rainy seasons. Hantavirus infections are not endemic in the southeastern United States, are not typically mild or asymptomatic, and there is no effective vaccine currently available. They are also not transmitted through respiratory droplets from infected humans.

Question 8

Answer true or false to the reason given in the following statement: Rhinovirus is known as the common cold virus because it is the major cause of the mild upper respiratory infections that affect people of all ages.

Accepted Answer

Rhinovirus is indeed known as the common cold virus as it is responsible for causing most cases of mild upper respiratory infections, especially during the colder months.

Question 9

Which of the following respiratory illnesses is not associated with spores?

Accepted Answer

Legionnaires' disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila found in water systems, not by spores.

Question 10

Which of the following is an appropriate description of blastomycosis?

Accepted Answer

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, which is not specifically associated with AIDS.

Answer: B
 Blastomycosis has spherules that contain spores.

Answer: C
 Bird and bat droppings may be a source for Blastomyces dermatitidis, the causative agent of blastomycosis.

Answer: D
 Blastomyces dermatitidis, the causative agent of blastomycosis, contains ergosterol in its plasma membrane, not cholesterol.

Answer: E
 100% mortality is not accurate for the invasion of lung tissue in blastomycosis. Mortality rates can vary depending on several factors, including patient health and the severity of the infection.

Question 11

Chlamydophila psittaci infections are associated with

Accepted Answer

Chlamydophila psittaci infections are commonly associated with inhalation of bird droppings or respiratory secretions from infected birds, particularly parrots, pigeons, and poultry.

Question 12

Acanthamoeba is the natural reservoir for

Accepted Answer

Acanthamoeba is known to serve as a natural reservoir for Legionella pneumophila, the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires' disease. This amoeba can harbor and provide a protective environment for the bacteria, allowing it to multiply.

Question 13

Answer true or false to the reason given in the following statement: Because of the large number of serotypes of Rhinovirus,it is unlikely that an effective vaccine will ever be developed.

Accepted Answer

The large number of serotypes of Rhinovirus makes it difficult to create a vaccine that can provide immunity against all or most of them, as each serotype can require a different immune response.

Question 14

All of the following are associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)except

Accepted Answer

Currently, there is no effective vaccine available for RSV. Therefore, option B is not associated with RSV. All the other options are associated with RSV.

Question 15

Which of the following is an appropriate description of Pneumocystis?

Accepted Answer

Pneumocystis is a fungus that is known for containing high levels of cholesterol in its plasma membrane.

Question 16

Which of the following is not a characteristic of Q fever?

Accepted Answer

Humans are not the only reservoir for Coxiella burnetii, as the organism can also infect a variety of domestic and wild animals.

Question 17

Which of the following is most appropriate for coccidiodomycosis?

Accepted Answer

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection that is caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. The spores of these fungi are encased in spherules which are released into the air when the soil is disturbed. The infection is associated with exposure to soil in endemic areas such as the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. Symptoms of coccidioidomycosis may include fever, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment may include antifungal medications. While the infection can be severe, it does not have a 100% mortality rate, and the prognosis varies depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health.

Question 18

To ensure compliance with drug therapy,_____ is required for patients with a physiological resistance to one or more anti-TB drugs.

Accepted Answer

Directly observed therapy (DOT) is required for patients with a physiological resistance to one or more anti-TB drugs to ensure compliance with drug therapy. DOT involves healthcare workers or trained community members directly observing the patient taking their medication to ensure they are taking it correctly and consistently. This can improve treatment outcomes and decrease the risk of resistance.

Question 19

Which of the following individuals would receive directly observed therapy (DOT)for the treatment of tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Directly observed therapy (DOT) is recommended for patients who have a history of noncompliance to drug regimens, those with psychiatric disorders, patients with HIV, and infected patients who persistently test positive for TB, as it ensures adherence to treatment and reduces the risk of developing drug-resistant TB.

Question 20

"Secondary tuberculosis" is a term used to describe

Accepted Answer

Secondary tuberculosis refers to the reactivation of old tuberculosis lesions due to loss of immune defenses, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems such as those with HIV/AIDS.

Quiz 21: Infections of the Respiratory System