Biology Multiple Choice Questions on “Fungal Diseases in Humans”.
1. Which of the following genera of fungi is not responsible for causing ringworms?
a) Trichophyton
b) Microsporum
c) Epidermophyton
d) Macrosporum
Answer: d
Clarification: Ringworms or round red or silvery type of superficial fungal infections of the skin are caused by the species of Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermatophyton. There are dry scaly lesions on skin, nails and scalp that cause intense itching.
2. Which of the following is not a symptom of ringworm?
a) The appearance of dry scaly lesions
b) Very high fever
c) Itchy scalp
d) Darkening and peeling of the skin
Answer: b
Clarification: Ringworm typically involves the appearance of dry and scaly lesions which are accompanied by intense itching. It also causes darkening, peeling and reddening of the skin.
3. The most contagious disease among the following is _________
a) Ringworm
b) Taeniasis
c) Pneumonia
d) Influenza
Answer: a
Clarification: Ringworm is one of the most contagious diseases as it is caused by mould-like parasites that live on the outer layer of our skin. So it can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact of the infected person.
4. From the following ways of transmission, how ringworm cannot be spread to different people?
a) Hugging an infected person
b) Shaking hands with an infected person
c) Seeing an infected person
d) Sharing the comb of an infected person
Answer: c
Clarification: Ringworm cannot be spread by just seeing the infected person. Direct skin-to-skin contact is necessary for the transmission of this disease. The common sources of infection are soil and towels, clothes, combs, etc. of infected persons.
5. Which of the following fungus is responsible for Athlete’s foot?
a) Trichophyton rubrum
b) Trichophyton mentagrophytes
c) Epidermophyton floccosum
d) Epidermophyton cruris
Answer: a
Clarification: Trichophyton rubrum is responsible for causing the Athlete’s foot. Trichophyton mentagrophytes cause the ringworm of body and beard. Epidermophyton floccosum and Epidermophyton cruris cause Tinea cruris or Jock Itch.
6. Which of the following conditions aggravate the fungal diseases?
a) Heat and moisture
b) Cold and dry
c) Humid and Cold
d) Scorching heat
Answer: a
Clarification: Heat and moisture conditions promote the growth of the fungi. It also makes them thrive in skin folds such as those in the groin or between the toes.
7. Which of the following fungi does not cause Tinea capitis?
a) Trichophyton tonsurans
b) Trichophyton violaceum
c) Microsporum andoninii
d) Trichophyton rubrum
Answer: d
Clarification: Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton violaceum and Microsporum andoninii are responsible for causing ringworm of the scalp (Tinea capitis). Trichophyton rubrum causes Athlete’s foot or Tinea pedis.
8. Which of the following ringworm is also called Tinea barbae?
a) Ringworm of Scalp
b) Ringworm of Beard
c) Ringworm of Body
d) Ringworm of Groin
Answer: b
Clarification: Tinea barbae is also called as ringworm of beard. Ringworms of Scalp, Body and Groin are called as Tinea capitis, Tinea corporis and Tinea cruris.
9. Microsporum genera of fungi cause ringworm of skin and nails.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Microsporum genera of fungi cause ringworm of skin and hair. Trichophyton genera cause ringworm of skin, hair and nails. Epidermophyton genera cause ringworm of skin and nails.
10. Which of the following diseases does not spread by fomite transmission?
a) AIDS
b) Common cold
c) Ringworm
d) Influenza
Answer: a
Clarification: Fomite transmission refers to the transmission of infectious diseases by objects. Common cold, Ringworm and influenza are object borne diseases meaning that the transmission of these diseases takes place by the pathogens left on the objects.