Health & Diseases UPSC PYQ — Vaccines, Viruses & Public Health

Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics: 1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast. 2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut. 3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C 1 and 3
4. D 2 and 3

Consider the following pairs: Commonly used / consumed materials — Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them 1. Lipstick — Lead 2. Soft drinks — Brominated vegetable oils 3. Chinese fast food — Monosodium glutamate Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011? 1. List of ingredients including additives 2. Nutrition information 3. Recommendations, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reactions 4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A 1, 2 and 3
2. B 2, 3 and 4
3. C 1, 2 and 4
4. D 1 and 4 only

With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology. 2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by

1. A bacteria
2. B protozoa
3. C moulds
4. D viruses

Recently, LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) procedure is being made popular for vision correction. Which one of the following statements in this context is not correct?

1. A LASIK procedure is used to correct refractive errors of the eye
2. B It is a procedure that permanently changes the shapes of the cornea
3. C It reduces a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses
4. D It is a procedure that can be done on the person of any age

Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide (CO) into the air may produce a condition in which oxygen supply in the human body decreases. What causes this condition ?

1. A When inhaled into the human body, CO is converted into CO₂
2. B The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen
3. C The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structure of haemoglobin
4. D The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratory centre in the brain

Consider the following statements about probiotic food: 1. Probiotic food contains live bacteria which are considered beneficial to humans. 2. Probiotic food helps in maintaining gut flora. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

Mixture of which one of the following pairs of gases is the cause of occurrence of most of the explosions in mines?

1. A Hydrogen and oxygen
2. B Oxygen and acetylene
3. C Methane and air
4. D Carbon dioxide and methane

Which of the following types is used by computed tomography employed for visualization of the internal structure of human body?

1. A X-Ray
2. B South waves
3. C Magnetic resonance
4. D Radioisotopes

Consider the following statements: 1. Meningococcal Meningitis is transmitted from person to person by mosquito bites. 2. Vomiting and neck pain are two of the symptoms of Meningococcal meningitis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements: 1. ELISA test is employed as the first and most basic test for an individual to detect cancer. 2. Almost 50% of human beings have Rh+ blood while the remaining have Rh- blood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

Pneumoconiosis afflicts the workers who work mainly in

1. A Tanneries
2. B Coal mining industry
3. C Distilleries
4. D Glass industry

Assertion (A): The person with diabetes insipidus feels thirsty. Reason (R): A person with diabetes insipidus suffers from excess secretion of vasopressin.

1. A Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. B Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. C A is true but R is false
4. D A is false but R is true

Which one of the following diseases of milching animals are infectious? 1. Foot and Mouth disease 2. Anthrax 3. Black Quarter 4. Cowpox Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. A 1, 2 and 3
2. B 2, 3 and 4
3. C 1 and 4
4. D 1, 2, 3 and 4

Consider the following statements: 1. Femur is the longest bone in the human body. 2. Cholera is a disease caused by bacteria. 3. ‘Athlete’s foot’ is a disease caused by virus. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A 1 and 2
2. B 2 and 3
3. C 1 and 3
4. D 1, 2 and 3

Which one of the following statements is correct?

1. A Prions are the smallest free-living cells
2. B The cell wall of Mycoplasmas is made up of amino sugars
3. C Viroids consist of a single-stranded RNA molecule
4. D Rickettsia’s lack cell wall

“Athlete’s Foot” is a disease caused by

1. A Bacteria
2. B Fungus
3. C Protozoan
4. D Nematode

In the eye donation, which part of the eye is transplanted from the donor?

1. A Cornea
2. B Lens
3. C Retina
4. D The whole eye

The stones formed in human kidney consist mostly of

1. A calcium oxalate
2. B sodium acetate
3. C magnesium sulphate
4. D calcium

Most of the explosions in mines occur due to the mixing of

1. A hydrogen with oxygen
2. B oxygen with acetylene
3. C methane with air
4. D carbon dioxide with ethane

Match List I (Diseases) with List II (Types of disease) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I I. Haemophilia II. Diabetes III. Diabetes IV. Ringworm List II A) Deficiency disease B) Genetic disease C) Hormonal disorder D) Fungal infection Codes:

1. A I-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A
2. B I-B, II-C, III-A, IV-D
3. C I-C, II-B, III-A, IV-D
4. D I-C, II-B, III-D, IV-A

The blood glucose level is commonly expressed as

1. A mm of Hg
2. B milligram per decilitre
3. C parts per million
4. D grams per litre

In eye donation, which one of the following parts of donor’s eye is utilised?

1. A Iris
2. B Lens
3. C Cornea
4. D Retina

Match List I (Drugs / Chemicals) with List II (Their uses) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I I. Atropine II. Ether III. Nitro-glycerine IV. Pyrethrin List II A) Local anaesthesia B) Heart trouble C) Dilation of pupil D) Mosquito control Codes:

1. A I-A, II-C, III-B, IV-D
2. B I-A, II-C, III-D, IV-B
3. C I-C, II-A, III-D, IV-B
4. D I-C, II-A, III-B, IV-D

Barium in a suitable form is administered to patients before an X-ray examination of the stomach, because

1. A barium allows X-rays to pass through the stomach on account of its transparency to X-rays
2. B barium compound, like magnesium sulphate helps in cleaning the stomach before X-ray examination
3. C barium is a good absorber of X-rays and this helps the stomach to appear clearly in contrast with the other regions in the picture
4. D barium salts are white in colour and this helps the stomach to appear clearly in contrast with other regions in the picture

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Disease) I. Malaria II. Poliomyelitis III. Tuberculosis IV. Ringworm List II (Organism) A. Fungi B. Bacteria C. Virus D. Protozoan Codes:

1. A I-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
2. B I-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
3. C I-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
4. D I-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A

The major chemical compound found in human kidney stones is

1. A Uric acid
2. B Calcium carbonate
3. C Calcium oxalate
4. D Calcium sulphate

According to the World Health Organisation, the disease which causes the death of the largest number of people today is

1. A AIDS
2. B Tuberculosis
3. C Malaria
4. D Ebola

Which of the following are associated with diabetes mellitus, a common disease in adults? I. Higher sugar level in blood II. Lower sugar level in blood III. Lower insulin level in blood IV. Higher insulin level in blood Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. A I and IV
2. B I and II
3. C II and III
4. D I and III

People drinking water from a shallow hand pump are likely to suffer from all of the following diseases, except

1. A Cholera
2. B Typhoid
3. C Jaundice
4. D Fluorosis

The offending substance in the liquor tragedies leading to blindness, etc. is

1. A ethyl alcohol
2. B amyl alcohol
3. C benzyl alcohol
4. D methyl alcohol

Consider the following pairs : Vitamin Deficiency disease 1. Vitamin C : Scurvy 2. Vitamin D : Rickets 3. Vitamin E : Night blindness Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1. A 1 and 2 only
2. B 3 only
3. C 1, 2 and 3
4. D None

A company marketing food products advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers? 1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils. 2. The food products are not made out of animal fats/oils. 3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of the consumers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consists of amino acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it is used as a low-calorie sweetening agent in food items. What is the basis of this use?

1. A Aspartame is as sweet as table sugar, but unlike table sugar, it is not readily oxidized in human body due to lack of requisite enzymes
2. B When aspartame is used in food processing, the sweet taste remains, but it becomes resistant to oxidation
3. C Aspartame is as sweet as sugar, but after ingestion into the body, it is converted into metabolites that yield no calories
4. D Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar, hence food items made with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation

Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity?

1. A They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency
2. B They prevent excessive oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and help avoid unnecessary wastage of energy
3. C They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during metabolism
4. D They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process

Consider the following statements: 1. Caffeine, a constituent of tea and coffee, is a diuretic. 2. Citric acid is used in soft drinks. 3. Ascorbic acid is essential for the formation of bones and teeth. 4. Citric acid is a good substitution for ascorbic acid in our nutrition. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A 1 and 2 only
2. B 1, 2 and 3 only
3. C 3 and 4 only
4. D 1, 2, 3 and 4

Which one among the following is not a good source of nutritional calcium?

1. A Rice
2. B Ragi
3. C Skimmed milk
4. D Egg

Consider the following statements: 1. Non-function of lachrymal gland is an important symptom of deficiency of Vitamin A. 2. Deficiency of Vitamin B1 can lead to indigestion and heart enlargement. 3. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to pain in the muscles. 4. Deficiency of Vitamin D causes increased loss of Ca++ in urine. Which of these statements given above are correct?

1. A 1 and 2
2. B 2, 3 and 4
3. C 1, 3 and 4
4. D 1, 2, 3 and 4

Assertion (A): Fatty acids should be a part of the balanced human diet. Reason (R): The cells of the human body cannot synthesize any fatty acids.

1. A Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. B Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. C A is true but R is false
4. D A is false but R is true

Which one of the following statements is correct?

1. A Milk contains none of the B-vitamins
2. B Vitamin A (retinal) deficiency leads to dry and scaly skin
3. C One of the symptoms of scurvy is pain in the joints
4. D Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency can lead to heart failure

Assertion (A): Human diet should compulsorily contain Glycerine, Serine and Tyrosine. Reason (R): Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised in the human body.

1. A Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. B Both A and R are individually true but R is not a correct explanation of A
3. C A is true but R is false
4. D A is false but R is true

Soft drinks such as colas contain significant quantities of

1. A caffeine
2. B nicotine
3. C tannin
4. D renin

Lathyrism is caused by excessive consumption of

1. A Kesari dal
2. B Mustard oil
3. C Polished rice
4. D Mushrooms

Consumption of fish is considered to be healthy when compared to flesh of other animals because fish contains

1. A polyunsaturated fatty acids
2. B saturated fatty acids
3. C essential vitamins
4. D more carbohydrates and proteins

Ergotism is due to consumption of

1. A contaminated grains
2. B rotting vegetables
3. C contaminated water
4. D stale cooked food

What is the average fat content of buffalo milk?

1. A 7.2%
2. B 4.5%
3. C 9.0%
4. D 10.0%

The major component of honey is

1. A glucose
2. B sucrose
3. C maltose
4. D fructose

Recommended daily intake of proteins for a moderately active woman is

1. A 30 g
2. B 37 g
3. C 40 g
4. D 46 g

The nutritional deficiency condition that needs to be given top priority for remedial action in India today is

1. A Scurvy
2. B Rickets
3. C Xerophthalmia
4. D Pellagra

Which of the following would lead to ‘malnutrition’? I. Overnutrition II. Undernutrition III. Imbalanced nutrition Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. A II alone
2. B II and III
3. C I and III
4. D I, II and III

Besides proteins and carbohydrates, other elements of nutritional value found in milk include

1. A calcium, potassium and iron
2. B calcium and potassium
3. C potassium and iron
4. D calcium and iron

Consider the following statements: I. No virus can survive in ocean waters. II. No virus can infect bacteria. III. No virus can change the cellular transcriptional activity in host cells. How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. A Only one
2. B Only two
3. C All the three
4. D None

Consider the following: 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Virus Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?

1. A 1 and 2 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements: 1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes. 2. Common cold is sometime caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

The term 'ACE2' is talked about in the context of

1. A genes introduced in the genetically modified plants
2. B development of India's own satellite navigation system
3. C radio collars for wildlife tracking
4. D spread of viral diseases

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

1. A Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
2. B Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
3. C Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
4. D Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.

Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Plants Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A 1 and 2 only
2. B 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?

1. A AIDS
2. B Bird flu
3. C Dengue
4. D Swine flu

Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? 1. Chikungunya 2. Hepatitis B 3. HIV-AIDS Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy. 2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium. 3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements: 1. Hepatitis B is several times more infectious than HIV/AIDS 2. Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements: 1. Every individual in the population is equally susceptible host for Swine Flu. 2. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu. 3. To prevent the future spread of Swine Flu in the epidemic area, the swine (pigs) must all be culled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. A 1 and 2 only
2. B 2 only
3. C 2 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

With regard to the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which one of the following statements is not correct ?

1. A The chances of transmission from female to male are twice as likely as from male to female
2. B The chances of transmission are more if a person suffers from other sexually transmitted infections
3. C An infected mother can transmit the infection to her baby during pregnancy, at childbirth and by breast feeding
4. D The risk of contracting infection from transfusion of infected blood is much higher than an exposure to contaminated needle

Robert Webster is known for his work associated with which one of the following?

1. A Cardiology
2. B Influenza virus
3. C HIV/AIDS
4. D Alzheimer

Consider the following conditions of sick human body 1. Swollen lymph nodes 2. Sweating at night 3. Loss of memory 4. Loss of weight Which of these are the symptoms of AIDS?

1. A 1 and 2
2. B 2, 3 and 4
3. C 1, 2 and 3
4. D 1, 2, 3 and 4

Foot-and-mouth disease in animals, a current epidemic in some parts of the world, is caused by

1. A Bacterium
2. B Fungus
3. C Protozoan
4. D Virus

Consider the following statements: AIDS is transmitted — I. By sexual intercourse. II. By blood transfusion. III. By mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. IV. Across the placenta. Of these statements —

1. A I, II and III are correct
2. B I, II and IV are correct
3. C I, III and IV are correct
4. D I and III are correct

'Wolbachia method' is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

1. A Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
2. B Converting crop residues into packing material
3. C Producing biodegradable plastics
4. D Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass

Consider the following statements: 1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue. 2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

Widespread resistance of malarial parasite to drugs like chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial vaccine to combat malaria. Why is it difficult to develop an effective malaria vaccine ?

1. A Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium
2. B Man does not develop immunity to malaria during natural infection
3. C Vaccines can be developed only against bacteria
4. D Man is only an intermediate host and not the definitive host

Consider the following statements: 1. Dengue is a protozoan disease transmitted by mosquitoes. 2. Retro-orbital pain is not a symptom of Dengue. 3. Skin rash and bleeding from nose and gums are some of the symptoms of Dengue. Which one of the following statements is/are correct?

1. A 1 and 2
2. B 3 only
3. C 2 only
4. D 1 and 3

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Malaria II. Filaria III. Encephalitis IV. Leukaemia List II A) Bone marrow B) Brain C) Muscle D) Lymph node E) Blood cells

1. A I-E, II-C, III-B, IV-A
2. B I-E, II-D, III-B, IV-A
3. C I-D, II-C, III-E, IV-A
4. D I-E, II-D, III-A, IV-B

In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: 1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform. 2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform. 3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A 1 and 2 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India ? 1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis. 2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced. 3. These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1. A 1 only
2. B 1 and 2 only
3. C 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following diseases : 1. Diphtheria 2. Chickenpox 3. Smallpox Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?

1. A 1 and 2 only
2. B 3 only
3. C 1, 2 and 3
4. D None

A major health mission carried in 1996 was

1. A war against leprosy
2. B small-pox eradication
3. C pulse polio immunization
4. D popularisation of oral rehydration therapy

With reference to the treatment of cancerous tumours, a tool called cyberknife has been making the news. In this context, which one of the following statements is not correct?

1. A It is a robotic image guided system
2. B It delivers an extremely precise dose of radiation
3. C It has the capability of achieving sub-millimetre accuracy
4. D It can map the spread of tumour in the body

“Metastasis” is the process by which

1. A cells divide rapidly under the influence of drugs
2. B cancer cells spread through the blood or lymphatic system to other sites or organs
3. C the chromosomes in cell nuclei are attached to the spindle before moving to the anaphase poles
4. D cancer cells are successfully inhibited to divide any further

Cobalt-60 is commonly used in radiation therapy because it emits

1. A alpha rays
2. B beta rays
3. C gamma rays
4. D X-rays

“It begins as a single cell and grows into a merciless disease that claims millions of lives year after year. But scientists are steadily unlocking its mysteries, and the fight against it may now have reached a dramatic turning point. New discoveries promise better therapies and hope in the war against ...” The disease referred to in the above quotation is

1. A Cancer
2. B AIDS
3. C Tuberculosis
4. D Alzheimer’s disease

Consider the following statements: 1. Biofilms can form on medical implants within human tissues. 2. Biofilms can form on food and food processing surfaces. 3. Biofilms can exhibit antibiotic resistance. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A 1 and 2 only
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1 and 3 only
4. D 1, 2 and 3

'Triclosan', considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?

1. A Food preservatives
2. B Fruit-ripening substances
3. C Reused plastic containers
4. D Toiletries

Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? 1. Genetic predisposition of some people 2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases 3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming 4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A 1 and 2
2. B 2 and 3 only
3. C 1, 3 and 4
4. D 2, 3 and 4

Which one of the following antimicrobial drugs is suitable for treatment of both tuberculosis and leprosy?

1. A Isoniazid
2. B p-aminosalicylic acid
3. C Streptomycin
4. D Rifampicin