Question 1

Infections that are caused by microbes whose occurrence in humans have increased within the past two decades or threaten to increase in the near future are described as

Accepted Answer

Emerging infections are defined as infections that have newly appeared in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range. This includes infections that are caused by new or previously unrecognized microbes.

Question 2

The reappearance of a known infection after a significant decrease in occurrence is known as

Accepted Answer

Reemerging infections are diseases that were once prevalent in a population or geographical area and then declined, but are now showing an increase in incidence once again. This term specifically refers to the resurgence of previously known diseases, rather than the emergence of new diseases or those caused by organisms taking advantage of weakened immune systems (opportunistic infections) or infections acquired in healthcare settings (nosocomial infections).

Question 3

Factors that contribute to the reemergence of an infectious disease include
1) changing climate conditions.
2) upsetting the ecosystem.
3) people and products settling in one place.

Accepted Answer

1) Changing climate conditions can alter the habitats of vectors such as mosquitoes, leading to the spread of diseases like malaria to new areas. 2) Upsetting the ecosystem, for example through deforestation, can increase human exposure to previously isolated pathogens.

Question 4

Haiti was devastated by a massive earthquake that measured 8.2 out of 10 on the Richter scale. You issue an alert for healthcare workers to watch for emerging infections because of
1) destruction of public infrastructure.
2) ecosystem disturbance.
3) movement of people

Accepted Answer

All three factors contribute to the risk of emerging infections following a natural disaster like an earthquake. The destruction of public infrastructure can lead to inadequate sanitation and water supply, ecosystem disturbance can alter the patterns of diseases and vectors, and the movement of people can facilitate the spread of infections.

Question 5

Diphtheria had been controlled for over 30 years in the Soviet Union. After the Soviet Union was disbanded, cases of diphtheria increased to epidemic proportions in the New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union. This is an example of a/an

Accepted Answer

Diphtheria's resurgence after a period of control is an example of a reemerging infection, which occurs when an infection that was previously under control becomes a health concern once again.

Question 6

Which of the following bacteria are associated with emerging infections?
1) Ehrlichia chaffeensis
2) Escherichia coli O157:H7
3) Staphylococcus aureus

Accepted Answer

Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Escherichia coli O157:H7 are associated with emerging infections. Ehrlichia chaffeensis is known for causing ehrlichiosis, an emerging tick-borne disease, while E. coli O157:H7 is known for causing foodborne outbreaks. Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known pathogen but not typically classified as an emerging infection.

Question 7

Which of the following parasites are associated with emerging infections?
1) Ehrlichia chaffeensis
2) Encephalitozoon hellem
3) Encephalitozoon cuniculi

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following parasites are associated...

Question 8

Select the virus that is not associated with emerging infections.

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B is not considered an emerging infection as it has been well-known and studied for many years, whereas the other viruses listed have been associated with more recent outbreaks or increased recognition as emerging infectious threats.

Question 9

Select the bacteria that is associated with reemerging infections.

Accepted Answer

Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is associated with reemerging infections, particularly in parts of the world where it is endemic. It has caused several pandemics throughout history and remains a public health concern due to its potential to cause outbreaks.

Question 10

Select the parasite that is not associated with reemerging infections.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Select the parasite that is not associated...

Question 11

Select the virus that is associated with reemerging infections.

Accepted Answer

Rabies is considered a reemerging infection in certain parts of the world due to factors like changes in land use, human behavior, and the movement of animals.

Question 12

An individual presents with severe diarrhea and dehydration after returning from Latin America. The patient frequently purchased and ate seafood from the local street vendors. You would suspect

Accepted Answer

Vibrio cholerae is the correct answer because it is commonly associated with outbreaks of severe diarrhea and dehydration, especially in regions with poor sanitation and is often linked to the consumption of contaminated water or food, including seafood. The patient's history of traveling to Latin America and consuming seafood from street vendors increases the likelihood of exposure to Vibrio cholerae.

Question 13

The owner of a petting zoo contacts your microbiology laboratory for advice in preventing the transmission of a microbe that can cause hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. You recall that this organism produces a verotoxin that causes severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. What control measure(s) would you recommend?

Accepted Answer

The microbe in question is likely a strain of E. coli that produces verotoxin, leading to severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Hand washing is a critical control measure to prevent the transmission of such pathogens from animals to humans in settings like petting zoos. Selling only unpasteurized apple juice, encouraging thumb sucking, and prohibiting all contact with animals are not practical or effective measures for preventing the transmission of this specific microorganism.

Question 14

Complications of typhoid fever include

Accepted Answer

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can cause a variety of complications, including hepatitis, shock, and pharyngitis.

Question 15

A hematology technician asks you to look at four patients' Wright stained blood smears and confirm the presence of gram-negative rods. You note the gram-negative rods have a "safety pin" appearance. What could this smear result mean? What antibiotic, if any, should be used for prophylactic therapy?

Accepted Answer

The "safety pin" appearance in gram-negative rods is characteristic of Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, which could be a concern for a bioterror attack. Doxycycline is recommended for prophylactic therapy in individuals exposed to Yersinia pestis.

Question 16

A person is brought to the emergency room in shock and bleeding out of multiple body openings. Signs and symptoms of multiple organ failure are present. The patient had recently returned from an adventure vacation to Zaire. You suspect

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, including shock, bleeding from multiple body openings, signs of multiple organ failure, and recent travel to Zaire, are indicative of Ebola. Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease caused by the Ebola virus, known for outbreaks in African countries, including Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Question 17

The owner of an exotic pet store visited his physician complaining of headaches, fever, and body aches. The physician noticed a rash with pocks and swollen lymph nodes. The potential pathogen is

Accepted Answer

Monkeypox is associated with symptoms such as headaches, fever, body aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and can be transmitted from animals to humans, making it a likely diagnosis for someone who owns an exotic pet store.

Question 18

The CBC and blood chemistry results are available on a patient suspected of having a Hantavirus infection. You expect to see the following typical laboratory values:
1) Platelet count less than 150,000/UL
2) Increase WBC with left shift
3) Normal CPK and creatinine

Accepted Answer

Hantavirus infection typically presents with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and leukocytosis with a left shift.

Question 19

The best way for an immunodeficient individual to prevent acquiring Cryptosporidium parvum is to
1) heat water to 40°C for 1 minute.
2) filter water prior to usage.
3) wash vegetables and fruit before eating.

Accepted Answer

Cryptosporidium parvum is a waterborne pathogen resistant to chlorine disinfection but can be removed by filtration. Washing vegetables and fruits can also help remove potential contaminants, including Cryptosporidium. Heating water to 40°C is not sufficient to kill Cryptosporidium; higher temperatures are required.

Question 20

Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis includes those isolates resistant to

Accepted Answer

Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is defined by resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampin, the two most powerful first-line anti-TB drugs.

Quiz 42: Global Threats

Infections that are caused by microbes whose occurrence in humans have increased within the past two decades or threaten to increase in the near future are described as

The reappearance of a known infection after a significant decrease in occurrence is known as

Factors that contribute to the reemergence of an infectious disease include 1) changing climate conditions. 2) upsetting the ecosystem. 3) people and products settling in one place.

Haiti was devastated by a massive earthquake that measured 8.2 out of 10 on the Richter scale. You issue an alert for healthcare workers to watch for emerging infections because of 1) destruction of public infrastructure. 2) ecosystem disturbance. 3) movement of people