CIC Infectious Disease Processes 3

Question 1

Which mechanism allows bacteria to share resistance genes horizontally across species?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation via plasmids

Answer

Conjugation allows direct transfer of plasmids carrying resistance genes between bacteria, even across different species, driving the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Question 2

The incubation period of an infectious disease refers to the time between:

Accepted Answer

Exposure to a pathogen and the appearance of symptoms

Answer

The incubation period is the interval between initial exposure to (or infection by) a pathogen and the first appearance of signs or symptoms.

Question 3

Which factor most directly determines whether a pathogen causes infection versus colonization in a host?

Accepted Answer

Balance between host immune defenses and pathogen virulence

Answer

Whether disease occurs depends on the interplay between the virulence of the organism and the strength of the host's immune defenses.

Question 4

A healthcare worker is exposed to a patient's blood through a needlestick. Which bloodborne pathogen has the highest risk of transmission per exposure event?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Answer

HBV has the highest transmission risk per needlestick exposure (6–30%) compared to HCV (~1.8%) and HIV (~0.3%) in unvaccinated individuals.

Question 5

Biofilm formation on medical devices is clinically significant primarily because biofilms:

Accepted Answer

Protect bacteria from disinfectants and immune defenses

Answer

Biofilms encase bacteria in a polysaccharide matrix that significantly increases resistance to both antimicrobial agents and host immune responses.

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test

CIC Infectious Disease Processes 3