Each of the following questions has four alternative responses. Measles,…
2023
Each of the following questions has four alternative responses.
Measles, rabies and cancer all share an association with viruses: measles and rabies are caused by viruses, and several cancers are caused by cancer-causing (oncogenic) viruses. Which one of the following diseases below is most commonly caused by a virus, like the diseases in the given group?
- A.
Pneumonia
- B.
Diabetes
- C.
Tetanus
- D.
Hepatitis
Attempted by 6 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Find the common property of the given group, then pick the option that shares it.
Measles is caused by the measles virus and rabies by the rabies virus, so both are viral diseases. Cancer is not generally a viral disease, but it is linked to viruses: oncogenic viruses such as HPV and hepatitis B and C account for roughly 15-20% of cancers. The group is therefore united by a strong association with viruses.
Now test each option. Diabetes is a non-infectious metabolic disorder, not caused by any pathogen. Tetanus is a bacterial disease (Clostridium tetani). Pneumonia can be viral, but its single most common cause is bacterial (Streptococcus pneumoniae), so it is not best described as a virus-linked disease.
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can also result from alcohol, drugs, toxins or autoimmune disease, but its most frequent cause is viral infection (hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses) - so-called viral hepatitis. Among the options it is the one most commonly caused by a virus, matching the given group.
Hence, the answer is Hepatitis.