Defining Communicable Diseases

Which statement BEST describes where pathogens are found? A. Pathogens are agents that are used to treat contagious diseases. B. Pathogens are disease-causing agents that can be found in the environment and are passed from one individual to another. C. Pathogens are used to treat diseases that are passed from one individual to another. D. When disease-causing agents are passed from one individual to another, they are not considered pathogens.

Because protozoan infections are highly variable, doctors often use a different medication for each that is highly specific and effective against the certain type of protozoan.

Pathogens cannot be passed from one individual to another through contact with infected blood.

If the doctor confirmed that a patient had herpes, the most likely prescription would be __________. A. antiviral drugs B. antibiotics C. a vaccine D. antifungal drugs

Pathogens can be given off and carried in the air when an infected individual __________. A. comes in contact with another individual B. has an open sore that is bleeding C. coughs or sneezes into the air D. is carried by one host to infect another

If your doctor asks you if a tick or mosquito has bitten you recently, what might she be trying to figure out? A. if you have contracted a vector-borne pathogen B. if you are infected with a blood-borne pathogen C. if you have been exposed to airborne pathogen D. if you have come in contact with a pathogen carried on surfaces

Which of the following is NOT a way diseases are spread? A. air B. skin C. blood D. moisture

This single-celled organism may cause disease, but it is also essential to important life processes like decomposition. A. bacteria B. fungi C. protozoa D. viruses

These single-celled organisms can be pathogenic but some can also be edible. A. bacteria B. viruses C. protozoa

Which of the following types of infections is typically treated with antibiotics? A. bacterial B. fungal C. protozoan D. viral

Fungal infections are more common than bacterial or viral infections.

If you are diagnosed with athlete's foot, what type of pathogen is causing the infections? A. bacteria B. fungi C. protozoa D. viruses

Which statement is TRUE regarding contagious infections? A. Bacterial infections are common and are best treated with antiviral medications. B. Viral infections are highly variable and need to be treated with antibiotics that are specific for the particular virus. C. Treatment for fungal infections varies depending on their location and severity. D. Protozoan infections are uncommon and can be treated and prevented with vaccines.

If you contract a contagious illness by coming in contact with infected blood, this would be considered contraction through direct contact.

It is safe to swim in pathogen-contaminated water as long as you do not swallow any of the water.