UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 110: Science and Technology
Consider the following statements: AIDS is transmitted — I. By sexual intercourse. II. By blood transfusion. III. By mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. IV. Across the placenta. Of these statements —
AnswerThe answer is (b).
AIDS is caused by HIV, which spreads through sexual contact, infected blood and blood products (including shared needles), and from mother to child across the placenta, at birth or in breast milk. It is not spread by mosquitoes or other blood-sucking insects. So I, II and IV. Remember: no transmission through insects, touch or food.
- I. HIV spreads by sexual intercourse.
- II. HIV spreads by infected blood transfusion.
- III. Mosquitoes and other insects do not transmit HIV.
- IV. HIV can pass from mother to child across the placenta.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Includes III, but mosquitoes do not transmit HIV.
- (b) Right: sexual intercourse, blood transfusion and across the placenta.
- (c) Includes III and leaves out blood transfusion.
- (d) Leaves out blood transfusion and the placenta, and includes insects.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.