Virology: avian influenza: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Virology: avian influenza

Sample item

In an outbreak of poultry deaths, a poultry farm worker develops fever, cough and rapidly progressive breathlessness with bilateral infiltrates. Avian influenza A(H5N1) is suspected. What is the most appropriate antiviral approach?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Start oseltamivir immediately without awaiting confirmation

Neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir reduce mortality if started early and should be given empirically in suspected avian influenza, with confirmation by RT-PCR on respiratory samples. Adamantanes are not recommended because circulating H5N1 and most influenza A strains are resistant. Aciclovir and ribavirin are not effective for influenza.

Option by option

  • A. Start aciclovir pending confirmation

    Aciclovir acts on herpesviruses and has no effect on influenza virus.

  • B. Start amantadine, as the H5N1 virus is usually susceptible

    Most circulating influenza A viruses, including H5N1, are resistant to amantadine.

  • C. Start ribavirin alone

    Ribavirin is not an established treatment for avian influenza.

  • D. Start oseltamivir immediately without awaiting confirmation (correct)

    Correct. Early oseltamivir is the treatment, and testing should not delay it.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, Start oseltamivir immediately without awaiting confirmation. Neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir reduce mortality if started early and should be given empirically in suspected avian influenza, with confirmation by RT-PCR on respiratory samples.

Why is "Start aciclovir pending confirmation" not the answer?

Aciclovir acts on herpesviruses and has no effect on influenza virus.

Why is "Start amantadine, as the H5N1 virus is usually susceptible" not the answer?

Most circulating influenza A viruses, including H5N1, are resistant to amantadine.

Why is "Start ribavirin alone" not the answer?

Ribavirin is not an established treatment for avian influenza.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: avian influenza in Microbiology. Adamantanes are not recommended because circulating H5N1 and most influenza A strains are resistant. Aciclovir and ribavirin are not effective for influenza.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Virology: avian influenza?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.