Check on Learning Questions

EPRC – BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

4/28/09

1. Living organisms, or materials derived from them, that cause disease tor harm to
humans, animals, or plants are known as (BIOLOGICAL) agents.

2. Name the three types of biological agents. BACTERIA, VIRUS, TOXINS

3. Name the three clinical forms of the disease Anthrax. CUTANEOUS,

GASTROENTESTIONAL, AND INHALATION

4. After a bite from a flea infected with Yersinia pestis, a bubo typically develops in
the groin, axilla,or cervical region. What disease does the patient most likely
have? BUBONIC PLAGUE

5. This bacteria causes a disease also known as Rabbit Fever. The bacteria
remains viable for weeks to months in water, soil, carcasses, and animal hides
and to temperatures of freezing and below, but is easily killed by heat and
disinfectants. What biological agent is this? FRANCISELLA TULARENSIS

6. Q-Fever rarely causes death, but may be incapacitating or require prolonged

recuperation. True or False? TRUE

7. This organism is highly infectious via aerosol exposure, but has a low mortality
rate. It is estimated that inhalation of only 10 to 100 bacteria are necessary to
cause disease in humans. Rare cases of death are caused by endocarditis or
meningitis. What species of bacteria commonly associated with animals is
responsible? BRUCELLA

8. Variola major, the more virulent form of this virus from the Orthopox family causes
what disease? SMALLPOX

9. Bacteria are infectious microorganisms that exist as a particle rather than as one
complete cell and are NOT capable of reproducing outside of a host cell. True or
False? FALSE – this statement describes a virus, bacteria are single-cell
organisms that multiply by cell division.

10. The treatment for VEE is ciprofloxacin. True or False? FALSE. VEE is caused by
a virus thus the antibiotic, ciprofloxacin is ineffective. No specific antiviral therapy
exists. Treat uncomplicated VEE with analgesics. Treat encephalitis with
anticonvulsants and intensive supportive care (maintain fluid/electrolyte balance,
ensure adequate ventilation, prevent secondary bacterial infections).

11. Ebola is spread ONLY by the bite of an infected mosquito and can not be spread
person to person. True or False. FALSE, some VHFs, e.g. Ebola are also
 transmissible person-to-person, and pose an increased risk to healthcare workers
and close contacts.

12. What toxin is a cytotoxin derived predominantly from the beans of the castor
plant? RICIN

13. Toxins are poisonous substances that are produced by living organisms and have
different effects, depending on the toxin. SEB is a toxin excreted by what
bacteria? STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS.

14. The hallmark of a disease caused by toxicity from this agent is a progressive,
descending, flaccid paralysis that starts with cranial nerves and facial involvement,
what toxin is this? BOTULINUM

15. What toxin can adhere to and penetrate the skin, and cause pain within minutes of
contact with human skin similar to the chemical warfare agent Lewisite.
TRICHOTHECENE (T-2) MYCOTOXINS