BIOL 305: Exam 4 Practice Questions

Which of the following is NOT a reason why we don’t have effective vaccines for all diseases?

•  Some disease agents cannot be cultured

• Vaccines are dangerous an linked to conditions such as autism

• It's not economical to vaccinate against some diseases

• Some microbes undergo rapid antigenic change.

• Some microbes are not immunogenic

Answer explanation

There is no evidence that vaccines are linked to autism based on research.

Some strains of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause?

•  Peptic ulcer disease

• Cervical cancer

• Polio

• Cold Sores

• Liver cancer

Answer explanation

B is correct! HPV is known for causing cervical cancer in women. But, throat cancer in men.

Polio = Poliovirus

Cold Sores = Herpesvirus,  Peptic ulcer disease = Helicobacter Pylori

Liver cancer = HBV & HCV 

Which of the following is FALSE regarding Herpesviridae?

•  Herpesviridae can also infect animals.

• Herpesviruses can remain latent in host cells.

• Inducing stress in animals is a way to show an active Herpesvirus.

• Herpesviruses commonly infect Neuroganglia.

• All cases of urogenital herpes are caused by human herpes 2 (HHV-2/HSV-2).

Answer explanation

Not all cases of urogenital herpes are caused by HHV-2. It is mostly HHV-2 but sometimes gHHV-1 does occur (10x less likely)

Which of the following is NOT an Oncogenic DNA virus?

• Poxviridae

• Retroviridae

• Adenoviridae

• Herpesviridae

• Hepadnaviridae

Answer explanation

Retroviridae is an Oncogenic RNA virus. 

Which of the following is FALSE regarding Ebola?

• Ebola is an example of a Hemorrhagic fever.

• The reservoir of Ebola is believed to be bats.

• Ebola only infects Humans.

• Ebola is a negative strand RNA virus.

• Ebola infection can cause internal bleeding.

Answer explanation

Ebola doesn’t infect humans only, it can infect non-human primates (monkeys and apes) as well.

Which of the following is a nearly 100% fatal neural disease (if untreated) and spread through contaminated saliva?

• AIDS

• Tetanus

• Smallpox

• Rabies

• Polio

Answer explanation

Rabies can be a 100% fatal neural disease if an individual comes in contact with contaminated saliva from infected animals, such as dogs. However, it can be prevented by getting dogs to get vaccinated.

Innate immunity…

• is the body's defenses against any kind of microorganism/pathogen.

•  includes TH and TC lymphocytes.

•  is the body's acquired immunity to a foreign microorganism.

•  is the body's defense against a specific microorganism.

• requires previous exposure to the antigen

Answer explanation

Innate immunity is a type of immunity that we all have from birth and it’s used to help our bodies defend against any pathogens.

What statement regarding hepatitis B virus (HBV) is/are TRUE?

• A) It can cause liver disease and cancer

• B) An effective vaccine is available

• C) Possesses reverse transcriptase activity

• Answers A and B are correct

• All of the above are correct

Answer explanation

All of the above are true!! HBV is a double stranded DNA and enveloped virus that uses reverse transcriptase. It is also known to cause liver disease, especially a chronic liver infection, and cancer (also HCV too). HBV vaccine is a recombinant and subunit vaccine, which contains the virus’ peplomer.

Which of the following statements about AIDS is FALSE?

• It is caused by HIV infection.

• Effective vaccine available but not widely used due to expense.

• The prevalence of AIDS infection worldwide continues to increase.

•  It is characterized by severe immune compromisation.

• AIDS is currently treated (not cured) using HAART (highly active anti-retroviral therapy)

Answer explanation

There is currently no vaccine effective and available for AIDS. However, it can be prevented by using condoms, sterile needles, and circumcision. 

Which of the following do you not possess at the time of birth?

• Innate immunity

• Adaptive immunity

• Cytokines

• Acute phase response proteins

• Toll like receptors

Answer explanation

Adaptive immunity is the type of immunity that your body learns. Innate immunity is the type of immunity that is present at birth.