Q10. Which fungus is a major cause of invasive mucormycosis?
[WBCS | 2011 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Rhizopus species
- Lactobacillus species
- Plasmodium species
- Vibrio species
Answer: (A) Rhizopus species
Explanation: Mucormycosis is caused by moulds of the order Mucorales, including Rhizopus species. It can affect sinuses, lungs or other tissues and is an urgent medical condition. Uncontrolled diabetes and substantial immunosuppression are important risk factors.
Q9. Histoplasmosis is mainly acquired through which route?
[UPPCS | 2010 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Inhalation of fungal spores
- Mosquito bites
- Eating undercooked fish
- Inherited mutation
Answer: (A) Inhalation of fungal spores
Explanation: Histoplasmosis usually follows inhalation of airborne spores from Histoplasma fungi growing in contaminated soil or similar environments. Lungs are commonly affected, and disseminated disease can occur in susceptible people. It is not ordinarily spread between people.
Q8. Which fungal genus commonly causes wilt disease in many cultivated plants?
[RAS / RPSC | 2009 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Fusarium
- Salmonella
- Rhizobium
- Azotobacter
Answer: (A) Fusarium
Explanation: Certain Fusarium oxysporum lineages cause vascular wilt in crops such as tomato and banana. The pathogen colonises water-conducting tissues and may lead to yellowing and wilting. Resistant varieties and clean planting material are useful management strategies.
Q7. Which condition is a fungal infection of the groin region?
[SSC CHSL | 2008 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Tinea cruris
- Chickenpox
- Typhoid
- Scurvy
Answer: (A) Tinea cruris
Explanation: Tinea cruris, commonly called jock itch, is a superficial dermatophyte infection of the groin. It produces itchy, often well-defined rashes. Sweat, tight clothing and poor drying can favour infection. Suitable antifungals and hygiene help recovery.
Q6. Aspergillosis most commonly refers to disease associated with which organism?
[MPPSC | 2007 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Aspergillus fungi
- Influenza virus
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Entamoeba histolytica
Answer: (A) Aspergillus fungi
Explanation: Aspergillosis includes several conditions linked to Aspergillus moulds, ranging from allergic airway disease to invasive infection. Most people inhale its environmental spores without becoming ill. Severe disease is more likely with impaired immunity or damaged lungs.
Q5. Which group of fungi causes dermatophytosis by feeding on keratin?
[UPSC NDA | 2006 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Dermatophytes
- Cyanobacteria
- Amoebae
- Mycoplasmas
Answer: (A) Dermatophytes
Explanation: Dermatophytes are specialised fungi capable of infecting keratinised tissues such as skin, nails and hair. Major genera include Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Their infections are often named tinea followed by the affected anatomical site.
Q4. What is the common name for fungal infection of the nails?
[SSC CGL | 2005 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Onychomycosis
- Conjunctivitis
- Otitis media
- Nephritis
Answer: (A) Onychomycosis
Explanation: Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection caused by dermatophytes, yeasts or other moulds. Nails may become thick, brittle or discoloured, although similar changes have other causes. Laboratory testing may be needed before prolonged antifungal therapy.
Q3. Which practice reduces the likelihood of athlete’s foot?
[RRB Group D | 2004 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Keeping feet clean and dry
- Sharing damp towels
- Wearing wet socks all day
- Walking barefoot in public showers
Answer: (A) Keeping feet clean and dry
Explanation: Drying the spaces between toes, changing damp socks and wearing footwear in shared shower areas can reduce exposure and create less favourable conditions for dermatophytes. Sharing towels or keeping footwear wet may encourage transmission or persistence.
Q2. Which fungus can cause cryptococcal meningitis?
[State PSC examinations | 2003 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Cryptococcus neoformans
- Penicillium chrysogenum
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Agaricus bisporus
Answer: (A) Cryptococcus neoformans
Explanation: Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that may infect the lungs and, in vulnerable people, spread to the central nervous system. Cryptococcal meningitis is particularly important in advanced immunosuppression and requires prompt medical assessment and treatment.
Q1. Which statement correctly describes ringworm?
[WBCS | 2002 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- It is caused by dermatophyte fungi
- It is caused by a roundworm
- It is caused by cholera bacteria
- It is always transmitted by mosquitoes
Answer: (A) It is caused by dermatophyte fungi
Explanation: Despite its name, ringworm is not a worm infestation. It is a superficial fungal infection that may form circular, scaly lesions. Direct contact and contaminated items can spread it. The particular dermatophyte and affected site influence treatment.
