Communicable & Infectious Diseases: NCK Exam Questions & Revision

The recommended way to confirm pulmonary tuberculosis is:

• A. Chest X-ray alone
• B. Sputum testing such as GeneXpert or smear microscopy
• C. A full blood count
• D. A Mantoux test alone

Why: Pulmonary TB is confirmed by examining sputum (GeneXpert or smear microscopy); chest X-ray supports but does not confirm the diagnosis.

Cholera is mainly transmitted through:

• A. Mosquito bites
• B. Contaminated food and water (faecal-oral route)
• C. Respiratory droplets
• D. Skin-to-skin contact

Why: Vibrio cholerae spreads by the faecal-oral route through water or food contaminated with infected faeces.

In the management of tuberculosis, what does the acronym 'DOT' stand for?

• A. Patient getting TB treatment as close to home as possible.
• B. Patient adheres to treatment during the intensive phase only.
• C. Directly observed treatment with weekly monitoring.
• D. Patient takes every drug dosage under supervision during the intensive phase.

Why: 'DOT' stands for Directly Observed Treatment, which involves a healthcare provider or trained individual supervising the patient as they take each dose of their TB medication. This ensures adherence to the treatment regimen, particularly during the intensive phase, to prevent drug resistance and ensure successful treatment outcomes. Option 'a' is incorrect as it does not specify supervision. Option 'b' is incorrect as DOT is not limited to the intensive phase only. Option 'c' is incorrect because DOT involves daily supervision, not weekly monitoring.

A classic presentation of severe cholera includes:

• A. Profuse watery stool preceding vomiting.
• B. High fever with severe abdominal cramps.
• C. Vomiting preceding profuse watery stool.
• D. Decreased urine production preceding profuse watery stool.

Why: The classic presentation of severe cholera is characterized by the sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhea, often described as 'rice-water stools,' which typically precedes vomiting. This is due to the rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes caused by the cholera toxin. High fever and severe abdominal cramps are not typical features of cholera, and decreased urine production is a consequence of dehydration rather than a preceding symptom.

What is the classification of ringworm infections that affect the fingernails?

• A. Tinea corporis.
• B. Tinea unguium.
• C. Tinea cruris.
• D. Tinea pedis.

Why: Tinea unguium, also known as onychomycosis, is the correct classification for ringworm infections affecting the fingernails or toenails. Tinea corporis refers to ringworm of the body, Tinea cruris affects the groin area, and Tinea pedis is commonly known as athlete's foot, affecting the feet. Therefore, the other options do not pertain to nail infections.

The Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine is administered to provide protection against:

• A. Diphtheria and whooping cough.
• B. Hepatitis Band whooping cough.
• C. Hepatitis B and meningitis.
• D. Meningitis and pneumonia.

Why: The Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine is specifically designed to protect against infections caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type B bacterium, which can lead to serious conditions such as meningitis and pneumonia. Options a, b, and c are incorrect because they mention diseases not directly prevented by the Hib vaccine. Diphtheria and whooping cough are prevented by the DTaP vaccine, and Hepatitis B is prevented by the Hepatitis B vaccine.