Test: Human Diseases - UPSC MCQ

This statement is not correct. Hepatitis B does have a vaccine that is effective in preventing infection. The vaccine for Hepatitis B has been available since the early 1980s and is recommended for all infants and at-risk individuals to protect against the virus. On the other hand, there is currently no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.

Viruses can infect various organisms, including bacteria (1), fungi (2), and plants (3). In addition to bacteriophages, there are viruses that can infect fungi and plants, leading to various diseases and infections in these organisms.

H1N1 virus, also known as the influenza A (H1N1) virus, is mentioned in the news with reference to Swine Flu. Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by the H1N1 influenza virus, which can infect pigs and occasionally spread to humans, leading to flu-like symptoms.

Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy. This statement is correct. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and do not possess the cellular machinery required for generating energy on their own. They rely on host cells to replicate and produce new viral particles.

Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium. This statement is incorrect. Viruses require living host cells to replicate and cannot be cultured in synthetic media alone. They can only replicate within suitable host cells.

Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only. This statement is incorrect. While some viruses are transmitted through biological vectors (e.g., mosquitoes transmitting the dengue virus), not all virus transmissions rely on vectors. Viruses can also spread through direct contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and other means.

So, the correct answer is a) 1 only.

It is difficult to develop an effective malaria vaccine because repeated natural infection does not produce detectable resistance to the exo-erythrocytic cycle of malaria in man.

• Malaria is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.
• Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite.
• When this mosquito bites, the parasite is released into the bloodstream.
• Different species of Plasmodium (P. vivax, P. malaria, and P. falciparum) are responsible for different types of malaria.
• Of these, malignant malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is the most serious one and can even be fatal.

Meningococcal Meningitis is not transmitted from person to person by mosquito bites (statement 1 is incorrect). It is actually spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person, usually through close contact like coughing, sneezing, or kissing.

However, statement 2 is correct. Some common symptoms of Meningococcal Meningitis include vomiting and neck pain, along with other symptoms like headache, fever, and a stiff neck.

Pneumoconiosis is a group of lung diseases caused by the inhalation and deposition of mineral dust particles, typically in an occupational setting. Workers in coal mining industry are particularly at risk of developing pneumoconiosis due to the inhalation of coal dust over prolonged periods of time.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in animals is caused by a virus. It is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. The virus responsible for FMD belongs to the Picornaviridae family and the Aphthovirus genus. It spreads rapidly among susceptible animals and can have severe economic consequences for the livestock industry.

Athlete's Foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It is caused by various types of fungi, most commonly Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum species. The infection is highly contagious and often spreads in warm and humid environments, such as locker rooms and swimming pool areas. Symptoms of athlete's foot include itching, redness, scaling, and sometimes blisters on the feet. It is typically treated with antifungal medications in the form of creams, powders, or oral medications.

Haemophilia is a genetic disorder causing impaired blood clotting due to a deficiency of clotting factors, typically factor VIII or IX. This leads to prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgeries. It is an X-linked recessive disorder, primarily affecting males. Treatment involves clotting factor replacement to control bleeding. Proper precautions are crucial to prevent injuries and manage the condition effectively.

Viruses are the main cause of infectious diseases in humans. Unlike bacteria, which are single-celled organisms, viruses are much smaller and cannot reproduce independently. They need a host cell to replicate and cause infections. Common viral diseases include influenza, common cold, HIV, and COVID-19.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral disease caused by the influenza virus. It affects the respiratory system and can cause mild to severe illness. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Vaccination is available to prevent influenza.

Rickets is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D, which is essential for proper bone development and growth. It leads to soft and weak bones, skeletal deformities, and stunted growth, especially in children. Adequate sunlight exposure and a diet rich in Vitamin D can prevent rickets.

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, skin rash, and bleeding tendencies. There is no specific treatment for dengue, and supportive care is provided to manage the symptoms.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Lifestyle changes and medication can help manage hypertension.

Visual hallucinations are NOT a symptom of diabetes. Common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and blurred vision.

Hepatitis primarily affects the liver. It is an inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, etc.), alcohol abuse, or certain medications. It can lead to jaundice, fatigue, and liver damage if not treated promptly.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, which can lead to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. 

Anemia is caused by a deficiency of iron in the body, leading to a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in hemoglobin levels. This results in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood, leading to fatigue, weakness, and pallor.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from infected animals, usually through a bite or scratch. It affects the nervous system and can be fatal once symptoms appear. Immediate medical attention and post-exposure prophylaxis are necessary if someone is bitten by a potentially rabid animal.