2026 Latest Exam update PCOL 838: Final
Exam Study Guide Practice Questions &
Rationales
What is a vector in terms of infectious disease? - correct answer-An organism that
carries a pathogen
Which of the following is a common example of a vector pathogen?
a.) Malaria
b.) COVID-19
c.) Ebola
d.) Tuberculosis - correct answer-a.) Malaria
Which of the following are possible types of pathogens?
a.) Fungus
b.) Bacteria
c.) Protozoa
d.) Viruses
e.) Misfolded proteins
f.) All of the above - correct answer-f.) All of the above
Kuru and mad cow disease is an example of what type of pathogen? - correct
answer-Misfolded proteins
,What is the difference between zoonotic pathogens and vector pathogens? -
correct answer-Zoonotic pathogen = Microorganisms--> Animals --> Humans
Vector pathogens = Microorganisms --> Humans
Ixode ticks can transmit disease to humans as vectors. During which season can
they transmit the disease? - correct answer-Summer and Spring when they are in
the nymph stage
What is the zoonotic host of the Ixode tick? - correct answer-White-footed mouse
Which of the following comprises the innate immune system? Select all that
apply.
a.) T cells
b.) B cells
c.) Dendritic cells
d.) Neutrophils
e.) Basophils
f.) Eosinophils
g.) Natural Killer cells
h.) Macrophages - correct answer-C, D, E, F, G, and H
Which of the following comprises the adaptive immune system? Select all that
apply.
a.) T cells
b.) B cells
c.) Dendritic cells
, d.) Neutrophils
e.) Basophils
f.) Eosinophils
g.) Natural Killer cells
h.) Macrophages - correct answer-A and B
T cells and B cells
What is in the stratum corneum layer that helps it act as a barrier to pathogens?
Select all that apply.
a.) CD8+ Tcells
b.) Commensal microbes
c.) Low pH
d.) Antimicrobial properties
e.) Langerhans cells
f.) Lipids
g.) Macrophages - correct answer-B, C, D, and F
CD8+ T cells, Commensal microbes, Low pH, antibacterial properties, and Lipids
Which of the following are considered to be barrier defenses in preventing
infection?
a.) Skin
b.) Respiratory tract
c.) Digestive tract
d.) Reproductive tract
e.) All of the above - correct answer-e.) All of the above
Exam Study Guide Practice Questions &
Rationales
What is a vector in terms of infectious disease? - correct answer-An organism that
carries a pathogen
Which of the following is a common example of a vector pathogen?
a.) Malaria
b.) COVID-19
c.) Ebola
d.) Tuberculosis - correct answer-a.) Malaria
Which of the following are possible types of pathogens?
a.) Fungus
b.) Bacteria
c.) Protozoa
d.) Viruses
e.) Misfolded proteins
f.) All of the above - correct answer-f.) All of the above
Kuru and mad cow disease is an example of what type of pathogen? - correct
answer-Misfolded proteins
,What is the difference between zoonotic pathogens and vector pathogens? -
correct answer-Zoonotic pathogen = Microorganisms--> Animals --> Humans
Vector pathogens = Microorganisms --> Humans
Ixode ticks can transmit disease to humans as vectors. During which season can
they transmit the disease? - correct answer-Summer and Spring when they are in
the nymph stage
What is the zoonotic host of the Ixode tick? - correct answer-White-footed mouse
Which of the following comprises the innate immune system? Select all that
apply.
a.) T cells
b.) B cells
c.) Dendritic cells
d.) Neutrophils
e.) Basophils
f.) Eosinophils
g.) Natural Killer cells
h.) Macrophages - correct answer-C, D, E, F, G, and H
Which of the following comprises the adaptive immune system? Select all that
apply.
a.) T cells
b.) B cells
c.) Dendritic cells
, d.) Neutrophils
e.) Basophils
f.) Eosinophils
g.) Natural Killer cells
h.) Macrophages - correct answer-A and B
T cells and B cells
What is in the stratum corneum layer that helps it act as a barrier to pathogens?
Select all that apply.
a.) CD8+ Tcells
b.) Commensal microbes
c.) Low pH
d.) Antimicrobial properties
e.) Langerhans cells
f.) Lipids
g.) Macrophages - correct answer-B, C, D, and F
CD8+ T cells, Commensal microbes, Low pH, antibacterial properties, and Lipids
Which of the following are considered to be barrier defenses in preventing
infection?
a.) Skin
b.) Respiratory tract
c.) Digestive tract
d.) Reproductive tract
e.) All of the above - correct answer-e.) All of the above
