Mycology: 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 · Mycology

Sample item

What fungus is associated with pigeon droppings and meningitis in immunocompromised hosts?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast associated with pigeon-excreta exposure and can cause subacute meningitis in immunocompromised people.

Option by option

  • A. Trichophyton rubrum

    Trichophyton is a dermatophyte causing tinea.

  • B. Cryptococcus neoformans (correct)

    Correct: Cryptococcus is linked to pigeon droppings and meningitis.

  • C. Aspergillus fumigatus

    Aspergillus causes allergic or invasive pulmonary disease.

  • D. Candida albicans

    Candida commonly causes mucocutaneous and bloodstream infection.

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.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is B, Cryptococcus neoformans. Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast associated with pigeon-excreta exposure and can cause subacute meningitis in immunocompromised people.

Why is "Trichophyton rubrum" not the answer?

Trichophyton is a dermatophyte causing tinea.

Why is "Aspergillus fumigatus" not the answer?

Aspergillus causes allergic or invasive pulmonary disease.

Why is "Candida albicans" not the answer?

Candida commonly causes mucocutaneous and bloodstream infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mycology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: Cryptococcus is linked to pigeon droppings and meningitis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Mycology?

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.