NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

What is a neglected tropical disease?

1. A disease exclusively found in urban areas

2. A grouping of various parasitic, viral, and bacterial diseases

3. A disease that mainly affects pets

4. A disease only transmitted through insects

The correct answer is: A grouping of various parasitic, viral, and bacterial diseases

A neglected tropical disease refers to a group of various parasitic, viral, and bacterial diseases that predominantly affect populations in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases often receive less attention and funding for research and treatment compared to more well-known illnesses, despite their significant impact on morbidity and mortality in affected communities. This grouping includes diseases such as lymphatic filariasis, dengue fever, schistosomiasis, and leprosy, among others, which are endemic to specific regions and largely affect impoverished populations who lack access to proper healthcare. The term "neglected" reflects the insufficient resources allocated to combat these diseases, despite their prevalence and the suffering they cause. Choices that specify exclusive characteristics—like being found only in urban areas or only affecting pets—do not accurately represent the broad and varied nature of neglected tropical diseases. Additionally, focusing solely on insect transmission overlooks the diverse modes of transmission for these diseases, which can also include waterborne, soil-transmitted, and zoonotic pathways. Therefore, identifying neglected tropical diseases as a grouping of multiple illness types highlights the complexity and the global health challenge they represent.