Common Diseases and Vaccines Practice Questions
17 free Common Diseases and Vaccines practice questions for the Static GK. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following diseases is caused by a protozoan parasite and is transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito?
- A Cholera
- B Tuberculosis
- C Dengue
- D Malaria
Correct answer: Malaria
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are protozoans. It spreads to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
The 'BCG' vaccine is primarily used to provide immunity against which disease?
- A Brucellosis
- B Botulism poisoning
- C Tuberculosis
- D Typhoid
Correct answer: Tuberculosis
BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin. It is a vaccine specifically designed to protect against tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.
Which disease is characterized by the inflammation of the liver and can be transmitted through contaminated water or food (Type A)?
- A Meningitis
- B Arthritis
- C Hepatitis
- D Tetanus
Correct answer: Hepatitis
Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections. Hepatitis A is typically spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.
The DPT vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against which three infectious diseases?
- A Diabetes, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus
- B Dengue, Pneumonia, Typhoid
- C Diphtheria, Polio, Typhus
- D Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus
Correct answer: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus
The DPT vaccine (also known as DTwP or DTaP) provides immunization against Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), and Tetanus. It is a core part of childhood vaccination schedules.
Which of the following is a viral disease that causes painful swelling of the parotid salivary glands?
- A Measles
- B Mumps
- C Rubella
- D Polio
Correct answer: Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands, located near the ears. This leads to the characteristic swelling of the cheeks and jaw.
Which disease, once a major global threat, was officially declared eradicated by the WHO in 1980 following a successful global vaccination campaign?
- A Poliomyelitis
- B Smallpox
- C Measles
- D Bubonic Plague
Correct answer: Smallpox
Smallpox is the first and only human infectious disease to be globally eradicated. This was achieved through a massive, coordinated vaccination effort led by the World Health Organization.
Which bacterial disease is commonly known as 'Lockjaw' due to the characteristic muscle spasms it causes?
- A Tetanus
- B Typhoid
- C Anthrax
- D Syphilis
Correct answer: Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani bacteria. The infection leads to severe muscle stiffness and spasms, often starting in the jaw, hence the name 'lockjaw'.
The MMR vaccine is administered to protect against which group of diseases?
- A Malaria, Mumps, Rubella
- B Measles, Mumps, Rubella
- C Measles, Meningitis, Rabies
- D Mumps, Myocarditis, Rickets
Correct answer: Measles, Mumps, Rubella
The MMR vaccine is a combined live virus vaccine. It provides long-lasting immunity against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (German measles).
Which of the following diseases is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus?
- A Smallpox
- B Chickenpox
- C Common Cold
- D Influenza
Correct answer: Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the Varicella-zoster virus. The same virus can later reactivate in adults to cause Shingles.
Which mosquito-borne viral disease is also known as 'breakbone fever' because of the severe joint and muscle pain it causes?
- A Zika virus
- B Yellow Fever
- C Dengue Fever
- D Chikungunya
Correct answer: Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is known as 'breakbone fever' due to the intense muscle and joint pains associated with it. It is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
What is the primary cause of Minamata disease, a neurological syndrome first discovered in Japan?
- A Cadmium poisoning
- B Lead poisoning
- C Mercury poisoning
- D Arsenic poisoning
Correct answer: Mercury poisoning
Minamata disease is caused by severe mercury poisoning. It was named after Minamata City in Japan, where industrial wastewater containing methylmercury was released into the bay, contaminating fish consumed by the local population.
The Salk and Sabin vaccines were developed to combat which disease?
- A Poliomyelitis
- B Rabies
- C Cholera
- D Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Correct answer: Poliomyelitis
Jonas Salk developed the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), while Albert Sabin developed the oral polio vaccine (OPV). Both were instrumental in nearly eliminating Polio worldwide.
Which diagnostic test is commonly used to detect the presence of the bacteria causing Typhoid fever?
- A ELISA Test
- B Widal Test
- C Mantoux Test
- D Western Blot
Correct answer: Widal Test
The Widal test is a serological test used to diagnose Typhoid (Enteric) fever. It detects antibodies against the Salmonella typhi bacteria in a patient's serum.
Hydrophobia (fear of water) is a clinical symptom associated with which viral disease?
- A Influenza
- B Ebola
- C Rabies
- D SARS
Correct answer: Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. In its advanced stages, it causes spasms in the throat when the patient tries to drink, leading to a profound fear of water (hydrophobia).
Which of the following diseases is caused by a fungus?
- A Ringworm
- B Typhoid
- C Kala-azar
- D Sleeping Sickness
Correct answer: Ringworm
Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin, not caused by a worm. It is characterized by a red, itchy, circular rash.
Which organ of the human body is primarily affected by the disease 'Pneumonia'?
- A Liver
- B Kidneys
- C Lungs
- D Heart
Correct answer: Lungs
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) is primarily used as a treatment for which condition?
- A Anemia
- B High Blood Pressure
- C Malnutrition
- D Dehydration
Correct answer: Dehydration
ORT involves drinking a solution of water, sugar, and salts to replace fluids lost during diarrhea. It is a simple and highly effective treatment for preventing death from dehydration.