ARC Zoonotic Disease Prevention & Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How is toxoplasmosis most commonly transmitted to humans?
- Through cat bites
- Through contact with infected cat feces or undercooked meat (Correct answer)
- Through airborne droplets from cats
- Through contact with cat saliva
Correct answer: Through contact with infected cat feces or undercooked meat
Toxoplasma gondii oocysts are shed in cat feces and can also be found in undercooked meat from infected animals; ingestion of these oocysts is the primary route of transmission to humans.
Question 2: What is ringworm actually caused by?
- A parasitic worm
- A bacterial infection
- A fungal infection (dermatophyte) (Correct answer)
- A viral infection
Correct answer: A fungal infection (dermatophyte)
Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by dermatophyte fungi such as Microsporum canis, which infect the skin and hair of animals and humans.
Question 3: Which zoonotic disease is associated with bites or scratches from cats and is characterized by swollen lymph nodes in humans?
- Pasteurellosis
- Cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae) (Correct answer)
- Toxoplasmosis
- Cryptosporidiosis
Correct answer: Cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae)
Cat scratch disease, caused by Bartonella henselae, is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected cats and typically presents as swollen lymph nodes near the site of injury.
Question 4: What is the recommended immediate field treatment for a bite wound sustained during animal rescue?
- Apply a tourniquet and wait for medical care
- Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 5 minutes, then seek medical attention (Correct answer)
- Cover the wound with a dry bandage only
- Apply hydrogen peroxide and continue working
Correct answer: Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 5 minutes, then seek medical attention
Immediate and thorough washing of bite wounds with soap and water for at least 5 minutes reduces pathogen load significantly and is the first critical step before seeking medical evaluation.
Question 5: Leptospirosis is primarily transmitted to rescue workers through:
- Airborne droplets from infected animals
- Contact with infected animal urine or urine-contaminated water (Correct answer)
- Bites from infected rodents only
- Ingesting infected animal tissue
Correct answer: Contact with infected animal urine or urine-contaminated water
Leptospira bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals (particularly rodents and dogs) and enter the human body through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin, especially during contact with contaminated water.
Question 6: Which respiratory precaution should rescue workers take when handling animals with suspected Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)?
- No precautions are needed as it cannot infect humans
- Wear an N95 respirator or surgical mask to limit droplet inhalation (Correct answer)
- Use full respiratory isolation equipment
- Only wear gloves, as it is not airborne
Correct answer: Wear an N95 respirator or surgical mask to limit droplet inhalation
Bordetella bronchiseptica can occasionally infect immunocompromised humans through respiratory droplets, so wearing a surgical mask or N95 respirator is a prudent precaution when handling animals with suspected kennel cough.
Question 7: Which of the following individuals is at HIGHEST risk for serious complications from zoonotic diseases?
- Healthy adults over 30
- Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and young children (Correct answer)
- Trained rescue professionals with five or more years of experience
- Individuals who have received all routine vaccinations
Correct answer: Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and young children
Immunocompromised individuals (including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients on chemotherapy), pregnant women, and young children have reduced immune defenses and are at significantly greater risk for severe outcomes from zoonotic infections.
ARC Zoonotic Disease Prevention & Control 2
How is toxoplasmosis most commonly transmitted to humans?