DVM Zoonotic Diseases and Public Health 4

Question 1

Which tickborne disease, caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is considered zoonotic and shares its vector with Lyme disease in the northeastern US?

Accepted Answer

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA)

Answer

Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis and is transmitted by Ixodes scapularis, the same tick that transmits Borrelia burgdorferi.

Question 2

A veterinarian suspects Yersinia pestis (plague) in a prairie dog colony in New Mexico. Appropriate immediate public health actions include:

Accepted Answer

Notifying public health authorities and applying insecticide to reduce flea populations

Answer

Plague control requires immediate notification of public health authorities and flea reduction, as fleas are the primary transmission vector and insecticide application interrupts the cycle.

Question 3

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by Bartonella henselae. Which clinical scenario represents the HIGHEST risk for severe or systemic disease?

Accepted Answer

An HIV-positive adult scratched by a flea-infested kitten developing bacillary angiomatosis

Answer

Bartonella henselae causes bacillary angiomatosis—a severe, disseminated vascular proliferative disease—in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV/AIDS.

Question 4

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been documented as a zoonosis. Which transmission pattern has been confirmed in companion animal households?

Accepted Answer

Bidirectional transmission between pets and their owners has been documented

Answer

Studies have confirmed bidirectional MRSA transmission between pets (dogs and cats) and their owners, with shared household strain types identified through molecular typing.

Question 5

Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in the environment primarily originate from which host, and what is the primary public health risk for pregnant women?

Accepted Answer

Definitive hosts (felids); risk is congenital transmission causing fetal damage

Answer

Only felids shed infective oocysts; primary risk for pregnant women is congenital toxoplasmosis causing abortion, stillbirth, or severe fetal neurological damage.

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Practice Test

DVM Zoonotic Diseases and Public Health 4