1. With reference to antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea, consider the following statements:
- Gonorrhoea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can spread via oral, anal, and vaginal routes.
- The emergence of ceftriaxone-resistant strains is a global concern highlighted in recent UK surveillance data.
- Resistance to gepotidacin has already been widely documented in multiple countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 1 and 3 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 and 2 only]
Notes:- Statement 1 is correct: Gonorrhoea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, spreads through all forms of unprotected sex.
- Statement 2 is correct: The UK Health Security Agency has reported several cases of ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: While gepotidacin has shown promise as a treatment for gonorrhoea, there are not yet widespread cases of resistance, although experts warn this could change if the antibiotic is overused.
2. Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) was created by which organization?
[A] World Bank
[B] Global Health Council
[C] World Health Organization (WHO)
[D] United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [World Health Organization (WHO)]
Notes:
A recent study by the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) showed that many multidrug-resistant infections in low- and middle-income countries, including India, are not being treated properly due to lack of access. GARDP is a not-for-profit organization that creates new antibiotic treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections and ensures they reach people in need. It focuses on public health by developing antibiotics to fight the current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis and protect future generations. GARDP was founded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) under the Global Action Plan on AMR in 2015.
3. Given the following statements about the discovery of the “plucking mechanism” of the immune system by IIT Bombay researchers:
- It reveals a mechanical method by which human cells destroy bacteria.
- It offers potential alternatives to antibiotics in combating bacterial infections.
- It involves the study of immune system responses to viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] 1 and 2 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1 and 2 only]
Notes:
The first statement is correct as the discovery has revealed a mechanical method used by human cells to destroy bacteria. The second statement is also accurate because it offers potential alternatives to the use of antibiotics against bacterial infections. The third statement is incorrect because the discovery’s focus was on bacterial infections, not viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2.
4. With reference to a recent discovery at IIT Bombay regarding the human immune system, consider the following statements:
- Researchers identified a host protein that functions like a mechanical tweezer to kill bacteria.
- The host protein operates by tagging harmful bacteria with a protein known as Ubiquitin.
- The newly discovered mechanism enhances the production of antibiotics within human cells.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 and 2 only]
Notes:
The researchers at IIT Bombay discovered a host protein that acts like a mechanical tweezer, dismantling bacteria – statement 1 is true.
The host protein does so by tagging harmful bacteria with a protein called Ubiquitin – statement 2 is also true.
However, the study does not mention that this mechanism enhances the antibiotic production within human cells, so statement 3 is incorrect.
Thus, the correct answer is ‘1 and 2 only’.
5. Consider the following preventive measures against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD):
- Wearing protective full-body clothing in forested areas
- Using insect repellents with DEET
- Mass antibiotic prophylaxis in endemic zones
- Avoiding contact with sick or dead monkeys
Which of the above statements is / are considered effective?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] 1, 2 and 4
[C] 1, 3 and 4
[D] 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1, 2 and 4]
Notes:
Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, so 3rd option is incorrect. Wearing protective clothing, use of DEET-based repellents, and avoiding contact with infected monkeys are key preventive strategies against Kyasanur Forest Disease, so options 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
6. According to public health experts, which of the following practices can help prevent the transmission of rotavirus infections?
- Ensuring exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months
- Avoiding the use of antibiotics during viral diarrhoeas
- Promoting safe food and drinking water
- Routine deworming of children under five
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 1, 2 and 3
[B] 2, 3 and 4
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 3 and 4 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:- Exclusive breastfeeding boosts the baby’s immunity and reduces exposure to contaminated food/water sources, helping prevent rotavirus infection.
- Since rotavirus is viral, antibiotics are ineffective and can lead to antibiotic resistance. Avoidance is a best practice.
- Rotavirus spreads via the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated water and food. Improving hygiene is key to prevention.
- Routine deworming of children under five is crucial for addressing parasitic infections but not specifically for preventing rotavirus, which is viral in nature.
7. In context with the ecological significance of fungi, consider the following statements:
- The mycelium network of fungi can connect multiple plants, facilitating nutrient exchange.
- Fungi play a crucial role in bioremediation by breaking down pollutants in contaminated environments.
- Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with around 90% of plant species.
- Some fungi can produce antibiotics, such as penicillin, which revolutionized medicine.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All four
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All four]
Notes:- The mycelium network of fungi can connect multiple plants, facilitating nutrient exchange: This is correct. Mycelium acts as a communication network between plants, sharing nutrients and information.
- Fungi play a crucial role in bioremediation by breaking down pollutants in contaminated environments: This is correct. Certain fungi can degrade environmental pollutants, aiding in ecological restoration.
- Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with around 90% of plant species: This is correct. Mycorrhizae enhance plant nutrient uptake and improve soil health.
- Some fungi can produce antibiotics, such as penicillin, which revolutionized medicine: This is correct. Penicillin, derived from the Penicillium fungus, was the first widely used antibiotic.
Thus, all statements are correct. The correct answer is (c) All four.
8. Which institution has developed developed AI-powered tool named AMRSense for tracking antibiotic resistance in real time?
[A] IIIT-Delhi
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIT Ahmedabad
[D] IIT Roorkee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIIT-Delhi]
Notes:
IIIT-Delhi researchers developed AI-powered tools for tracking antibiotic resistance in real time. The project is a collaboration between IIIT-Delhi, CHRI-PATH, Tata 1mg, and ICMR scientists. The AI tool, AMRSense, analyzes hospital data to provide early insights on antimicrobial resistance. It operates at global, national, and hospital levels to aid quick action. The research established links between antibiotic resistance patterns in community and hospital infections.
9. Consider the following pairs:
| Vancomycin | A common antibiotic used for treating diarrhea |
| Penicillin | The first true antibiotic discovered |
| Amoxicillin | Used to treat bacterial infections in children |
| Ciprofloxacin | Effective against a wide range of bacterial infections e.g. pneumonia. |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only one pair
[B] Only two pairs
[C] Only three pairs
[D] All four pairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All four pairs]
Notes:- Vancomycin: It is indeed a common antibiotic used primarily to treat serious bacterial infections and is effective against diarrhea-causing bacteria. So, this pair is correct.
- Penicillin: Discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, it was the first true antibiotic, marking the beginning of modern antibiotics. This pair is correct.
- Amoxicillin: It is widely used to treat bacterial infections in children, including ear infections and pneumonia. This pair is correct.
- Ciprofloxacin: It is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria. This pair is also correct.
10. With reference to rabies, which of the following observations is/are correct?
- Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease caused by the RABV virus.
- Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths occurring in Asia and Africa.
- Rabies can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease caused by the RABV virus. Correct: Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease caused by the RABV virus. It primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start.
- Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths occurring in Asia and Africa. Correct: Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths occurring in Asia and Africa. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) that predominantly affects already marginalized, poor, and vulnerable populations.
- Rabies can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Incorrect: Rabies cannot be treated with antibiotics, as it is a viral infection and requires immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent the onset of symptoms.
