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There is a vaccine available to develop HIV specific immunity.

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True
False

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There is NO HIV vaccine available.

Question Difficulty: Level 2

 

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Match the type of hepatitis with its route of transmission

Your answers are on the left. The correct answers are on the right and highlighted.

Fecal and Oral Hepatitis A

Parenteral Hepatitis B
Parenteral Hepatitis C

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Hepatitis A is spread through the fecal-oral route. Hepatitis B is most commonly

spread through parenteral means, but nonparenteral routes such as transmission
through pregnancy, sexual contact, and exposure to infected body fluids are also
important. Hepatitis C is spread through parenteral routes; pregnancy, sexual contact,
and in households is possible, but much less likely than with hepatitis B.

Question Difficulty: Level 5

 

  

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What is the source of the HIV envelope?

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The host cell membrane

The capsid
The HIV genome
Reverse transcriptase

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The HIV virus actually uses the host cell membrane to create its own viral envelope.

Question Difficulty: Level 7

 

  

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Match each virus with its appropriate nucleic acid content:

Your answers are on the left. The correct answers are on the right and highlighted.

DNA Hepatitis B virus

RNA Hepatitis C virus
RNA Retroviruses
DNA Herpesviruses

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Hepatitis B virus: DNA

Hepatitis C virus: RNA

Retroviruses: RNA

Herpesviruses: DNA

Question Difficulty: Level 7

 

  

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Which organ is the primary target of the hepatitis B virus?

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Heart
Liver
Lungs
Blood cells

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The hepatitis B virus primarily targets the liver. This can lead to both acute or chronic
hepatitis which can have serious health complications for the patient.

Question Difficulty: Level 2

 

  

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The disappearance of HBsAg and HBeAg, the persistence of anti-HBc (total), the
appearance of anti-HBs, and often of anti-Hbe indicate:

The correct answer is highlighted below

Acute HBV infection

Chronic HBV infection
Recovery phase of HBV infection
Acute HCV infection

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The recovery phase of Hepatitis B viral infections shows the actual viral antigens
disappearing while the body produces antibody to the virus's core, surface, and e
antigen. In acute HBV infections, the HBsAg would be present along with HBeAg
and in certain intervals, the HBcAg. A chronic HBV infection is associated with the
following results: HBsAg-positive, anti-HBc (total)- positive, anti-HBs- positive, anti-
HBe positive.

Question Difficulty: Level 4

 

  

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Which of the following assays is routinely used for confirmation of HIV infections:

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Southern blot
Western blot
In-situ hybridization
Radioimmunoassay

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Western blot analysis is frequently utilized as the confirmatory method of HIV

detection.

Question Difficulty: Level 2

 

  

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Which of the following techniques is used as a confirmatory test for HIV antibodies:

The correct answer is highlighted below

ELISA
IFA
RIA
Western blot
Feedback

Western blot analysis is frequently used as a HIV confirmation test. The Western Blot
test detects specific protein bands that are present when an individual has been
infected with the HIV virus.

Question Difficulty: Level 3

 

  

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What is the primary target of HIV?

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Heart
Liver
Lungs
T-helper cells

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The HIV virus attacks the human T-helper cells (and those which are CD4+). Patients
suffering from HIV infections, have functional CD4+ T cells populations fall, which
leads to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Question Difficulty: Level 2

 

  

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Match each virus with its appropriate nucleic acid content.

Your answers are on the left. The correct answers are on the right and highlighted.

RNA Paramyxovirus
RNA Rhabdovirus
DNA Poxvirus
 RNA Orthomyxovirus

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Paramyxovirus: RNA

Rhabdovirus: RNA

Poxvirus: DNA

Orthomyxovirus: RNA

Question Difficulty: Level 9

 

  

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HIV is known as a retrovirus because:

The correct answer is highlighted below

It can only attach to reticuloctyes.

RNA is used as the template for DNA synthesis.
It can cause AIDS immediately upon entering the body.
DNA is used as the template for RNA synthesis.

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Retroviruses are categorized by the RNA that is used as the template for their DNA
synthesis. The HIV virus can attach to immune cells, especially CD 4+ lymphocytes.
The HIV virus does not cause AIDS immediately, however if left untreated, the AIDS
syndrome can develop.

Question Difficulty: Level 4

 

  

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A 36-year old woman is a known intravenous drug abuser, and gives a history of
"several previous episodes of hepatitis". The laboratory workup is as follows: HBsAg
Reactive; anti-HBs Negative; anti-HBc Total Positive; anti-HBc IgM Negative; anti-
HAV Total Positive; anti-HCV Positive; and anti-HAV IgM Negative. Which of the
following diagnoses IS NOT POSSIBLE based on laboratory data and current
symptoms and history?

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HDV
Acute hepatitis C
Acute hepatitis A
Chronic hepatitis B
All of the above

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The positive reactions for HBsAg and anti-HBc point to a chronic hepatitis B
infection with a possible co-infection with hepatitis C virus. Anti-HBs and anti-HBc
are both negative in chronic hepatitis B infection. The positive total anti-HAV along
with the negative anti-HAV(IgM) shows that the positive anti-HAV is due to IgG
antibodies. This indicated that the patient has an immunity (IgG) to hepatitis A by a
prior exposure to the virus. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of acute hepatitis A would
not be possible.

Question Difficulty: Level 8

 

  

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The glycoproteins associated with the HIV "spike" are:

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17 and 120
24 and 41
120 and 24
120 and 41

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The glycoproteins associated with the "Spike" are 120 and 41, hence why these
glycoproteins are utilized in various HIV testing principles.

Question Difficulty: Level 7

 

  

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Which enzyme is responsible for joining the reverse-transcribed HIV DNA to the host
cell's DNA?

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Transcriptase
Reverse transcriptase
Integrase
Gp41

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The enzyme integrase is responsible for joining the HIV DNA to the host cell's DNA.

Question Difficulty: Level 7

 

  

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Match the viruses below with their associated conditions.

Your answers are on the left. The correct answers are on the right and highlighted.

Herpesvirus Herpes
Papovaviru
Warts
s
Rhinovirus Common Cold
Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in infants
Feedback

Herpesvirus: Herpes

Rhinovirus: Common Cold

Papovavirus: Warts

Rotavirus: Gastroenteritis in infants

Question Difficulty: Level 4

 

  

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Which of the following specimens is the most sensitive for detecting active CMV
infection:

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Blood
Urine
Stool
Sputum

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Viruria is the most sensitive method of detection of active CMV infection, but it
presence may or may not correlate with the clinical presence of disease.

Question Difficulty: Level 7

 

  

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The stage of viral replication where the envelope is being acquired and the HIV is
leaving the host cell is known as:

The correct answer is highlighted below

 Budding
Reverse transcriptase
Integrase
Adsorption

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Budding is defined as the stage of viral replication where the envelope is being
acquired and the HIV is leaving the host cell.

Question Difficulty: Level 7

 

  

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Which of the following is not considered a potentially infectious body fluid for
transmitting HIV?

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blood
cerebrospinal fluid
pleural fluid
sweat

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Blood and visibly blood body fluids, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid,
peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, semen and vaginal fluid, and amniotic fluid are
considered potentially infectious for an occupational exposure.

Urine and sweat without visible blood contamination are not considered potentially
infectious.

Question Difficulty: Level 2

 

  
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Colds and some other acute respiratory diseases are MOST often associated with
which agent?

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Epstein-Barr virus
Adenovirus
Coxsackie B
Reovirus
Legionella pneumophila

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Colds and some other acute respiratory diseases are MOST often associated with
Adenovirus. According to the CDC, "Adenoviruses are medium-sized (90-100 nm),
nonenveloped icosohedral viruses containing double-stranded DNA. There are at least
52 immunologically distinct types that can cause human infections. Adenoviruses are
unusually stable to chemical and physical agents and to adverse pH conditions, thus
allowing for prolonged survival outside of the body."

Question Difficulty: Level 5

 

  

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Which EBV markers would be MOST likely positive for an individual who had
infectious mononucleosis 9 years ago?

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All would still be positive

Anti-VCA (IgM) and heterophile
Anti-VCA (IgG) and anti-EBNA
None of the markers would be positive after 9 years

Feedback
Viral capsid antigen VCA (IgM), VCA (IgG) and D early antigen (EA-D) are used to
detect a current or recent infection.  VCA (IgG) and Epstein Barr nuclear antigen
(EBNA)are used to detect a previous infection.  The EBV heterophile antibody titers
are highest during the first four weeks of disease, but taper off after the infection has
cleared; so it would not be positive in a patient infected 9 years ago.

Question Difficulty: Level 5

 

  

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The transmission of which of the following organisms is associated with the guano of
bats?

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Blastomyces dermatitidis
Histoplasma capsulatum
Coccidioides immitis

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The guano of bats has been associated with histoplasmosis, particularly among
individuals who frequent caves in endemic areas such as Kentucky and other states in
the lower Missouri and Mississippi river valleys.

Humans can become infected with Blastomyces dermatitidis by close contact with
dogs or through scratches and bites.

Most cases of coccidioidomycosis are contracted from inhalation of wind blown

spores in dust.

Question Difficulty: Level 5

 

  

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The protein component that surrounds the genome is called a:

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 Capsid
Spike
Co-receptor
Syncytia

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The protein component that surrounds the genome is called a capsid.

Question Difficulty: Level 3

 

  

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Which of the following HPV types are most likely to be associated with cervical
cancer?

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6 and 11
16 and 18
42 and 43
44 and 54

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HPV types 16 and 18 are most commonly isolated in cervical cancer; however,
infections with HPV type 16 or 18 do not always result in cancer.

HPV types 6, 11,42, 43, 44, and 54 are all considered low-risk HPV types.

Question Difficulty: Level 6

 

  
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HIV is known as a retrovirus because:

The correct answer is highlighted below

It can only attach to reticulocytes

RNA is used as the template for DNA synthesis
DNA is used as the template for RNA synthesis
It can cause AIDS immediately upon entering the body.

Feedback

Retroviruses such as HIV are viruses that use RNA as the template for DNA
synthesis. This is the reverse of typical cell transcription in which DNA is the
template for RNA synthesis.

Question Difficulty: Level 4

 

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HIV is known as a retrovirus because:

The correct answer is highlighted below

It can only attach to reticulocytes

RNA is used as the template for DNA synthesis
DNA is used as the template for RNA synthesis
It can cause AIDS immediately upon entering the body.

Feedback

Retroviruses such as HIV are viruses that use RNA as the template for DNA
synthesis. This is the reverse of typical cell transcription in which DNA is the
template for RNA synthesis.

Question Difficulty: Level 4

 

  

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The type of health-care occupational exposure with the greatest risk of HIV
transmission is:

The correct answer is highlighted below

a percutaneous injury
mucous membrane exposure
abraded skin exposure

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The risk of HIV transmission after a percutaneous exposure to HIV-infected blood is

0.3%. The risk of HIV transmission after a mucous membrane exposure to HIV-
infected blood is .09%. The risk of HIV transmission after contact of abraded skin
with HIV-infected blood is estimated to be less than .09%.

Question Difficulty: Level 6

 

  

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In a HPV infection, where does the viral DNA replicate?

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Squamous epithelial cells

Glandular cells
Intraepithelial cells
White blood cells

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DNA of HPV replicate in host squamous epithelial cells. If malignant transformations
occur in the host cells, the malignancy spreads to glandular and intraepithelial cells.

Question Difficulty: Level 6

 

  

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A decrease in which of the following in AIDS patients results in increased

susceptibility to infection:

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CD 4+ cells
CD 8+ cells
HIV antibodies
HIV antigens

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It is the CD 4+ cells that help aid our immune system in attacking foreign antigens by
initiating the body's response. CD 8+ also help in the role of immunity by attaching to
infected cells to initiate cell destruction. A decrease in HIV antibodies would not
leave the host more suseptible to infection since the antibody is directed at the HIV
virus only. Finally, a decrease in HIV antigens will also not cause a host to become
more suseptible to infections.

Question Difficulty: Level 4

 

  

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Which virus is the MOST common etiological agent of viral respiratory diseases in
infants and children?

The correct answer is highlighted below

respiratory syncytial virus

 measles virus
Coxsackie A virus
Coxsackie B virus
Epstein-Barr virus

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Acccording to the CDC, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that
infects the lungs and breathing passages. RSV causes respiratory illness in infants and
young children, and is the most important cause of bronchiolitis. In the U.S., RSV
infections generally occur during fall, winter, and early spring.

Question Difficulty: Level 4

 

  

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Match each virus with its appropriate nucleic acid content:

Your answers are on the left. The correct answers are on the right and highlighted.

RNA Togavirus
RNA Coronavirus
DNA Herpesvirus
DNA Adenovirus

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Togavirus: RNA

Coronavirus: RNA

Herpesvirus: DNA

Adenovirus: DNA

Question Difficulty: Level 8

 

  
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What is the primary target of the Hepatitis B virus?

The correct answer is highlighted below

Heart
Liver
Lungs
Blood cells

Feedback

The liver is the primary target organ for the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The
inflammation caused by HBV can result in permanent liver damage, including
cirrhosis, liver failure, and even hepatocellular carcinoma.

Question Difficulty: Level 3

 

  

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The target cell of the AIDS virus is the:

The correct answer is highlighted below

B lymphocyte
Erythrocyte
Granulocyte
T lymphocyte
Histiocyte

Feedback

HIV (the virus causing AIDS) infects the T- lymphocytes (T helper cells) since these
cells have the marker CD4 on their surface. The HIV virus utilizes this marker to
attach itself to the cell. Hence why the T helper cells can be called CD4+
lymphocytes.
 Question Difficulty: Level 3
 

  

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Match the hepatitis B test with the appropriate disease phase.

Your answers are on the left. The correct answers are on the right and highlighted.

HBsAg Late incubation, acute

Anti-HBs Recovery
Anti-HBc IgM Acute, convalescent
Anti-HBc Total Acute, convalescent, recovery

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A positive surface antigen indicates that the hepatitis B virus is present which is
associated with the acute, late incubation phase. The IgM antibody to the hepatitis B
core antigen is the first antibody produced after infection with HBV and is used to
detect acute infection (convalescent). The anti-HBc total is a test containing both IgM
and IgG antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen. Can be used to help detect acute and
chronic HBV infections as well as infection recovery. Anti-HBs is an antibody
produced in response to HBV surface antigen; levels in the blood rise during the
recovery phase. The Anti-HBs antibody is also used to detect previous exposure to
HBV, such as from vaccination.

Question Difficulty: Level 8

 

  

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Which of the following would be the most appropriate temperature for long term
storage of viral cultures:

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4° C
-20° C
-70° C
Room temperature
Feedback

Cultures can be stored at either -20° or -70°, but -70° is preferred for long term
storage.

Question Difficulty: Level 5

 

  

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Match each virus with its appropriate nucleic acid content:

Your answers are on the left. The correct answers are on the right and highlighted.

DNA Hepatitis B virus

RNA Hepatitis C virus
RNA Retroviruses
DNA Herpesviruses

Feedback

Hepatitis B virus: DNA

Hepatitis C virus: RNA

Retroviruses: RNA

Herpesviruses: DNA

Question Difficulty: Level 7

 

  

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Match the type of hepatitis with its route of transmission

Your answers are on the left. The correct answers are on the right and highlighted.

Fecal and Oral Hepatitis A

Parenteral Hepatitis B
 Parenteral Hepatitis C

Feedback

Hepatitis A is spread through the fecal-oral route. Hepatitis B is most commonly

spread through parenteral means, but nonparenteral routes such as transmission
through pregnancy, sexual contact, and exposure to infected body fluids are also
important. Hepatitis C is spread through parenteral routes; pregnancy, sexual contact,
and in households is possible, but much less likely than with hepatitis B.

Question Difficulty: Level 5

 

  

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Given the following results, what is the immune status of the patient?

HbsAg: positive

HbeAg: positive

Anti-HBc IgM: positive

Anti-HBs: negative

The correct answer is highlighted below

acute infection
chronic infection
immunization
susceptible

Feedback

HbsAg is positive in acute and chronic Hepatitis B infections, since the antigen is
found on the actual surface of the virus. HbeAg is present in the blood when the
hepatitis B viruses are replicating, indicating an active infection. Anti-Hbc IgM is
present due to the immune response to the presence of the hepatitis core antigen and
indicates an acute infection. Anti-HBs is generally interpreted as indicating recovery
and immunity from hepatitis B virus infection, according to the CDC.
 Question Difficulty: Level 6
 

  

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What effect may bacterial contamination have on urine pH?

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The bacteria may make the pH more alkaline.

The bacteria may make the pH more acidic.
The bacteria would not affect urine pH.

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A urine pH above 8.0 may indicate that a specimen has been held unpreserved too
long, which allows multiplication of urea-splitting bacteria with resultant increase in
pH.

Question Difficulty: Level 5

 

  

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The target cell of the AIDS virus is the:

The correct answer is highlighted below

B lymphocyte
Erythrocyte
Granulocyte
T lymphocyte
Histiocyte

Feedback

HIV (the virus causing AIDS) infects the T- lymphocytes (T helper cells) since these
cells have the marker CD4 on their surface. The HIV virus utilizes this marker to
attach itself to the cell. Hence why the T helper cells can be called CD4+
lymphocytes.

Question Difficulty: Level 3

 

  

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Which of the following is NOT a possible cause of cell death after HIV infection?

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Cytoplasmic leakage
Depletion of T-lymphocytes, replaced by syncytia
Penetration of the membrane by the HIV spike
Depletion of cellular components

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The gp120 protein spikes are scattered about the surface of the HIV virus particle.
The spikes help the virus attach to macrophages. The spikes themselves do not
penetrate cell membranes.

Question Difficulty: Level 7

 

  

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What is the primary target of the Hepatitis B virus?

The correct answer is highlighted below

Heart
Liver
Lungs
Blood cells
Feedback

The liver is the primary target organ for the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The
inflammation caused by HBV can result in permanent liver damage, including
cirrhosis, liver failure, and even hepatocellular carcinoma.

Question Difficulty: Level 3