Mycology: Candida albicans: 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: Candida albicans

Sample item

Which laboratory feature supports identification of Candida albicans from a bloodstream isolate?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Germ-tube formation in serum

C. albicans characteristically forms germ tubes in serum and can form pseudohyphae. It is a common cause of invasive candidiasis in patients with central lines, broad antibiotics, or neutropenia.

Option by option

  • A. Arthroconidia in tissue

    Arthroconidia are not the defining C. albicans test.

  • B. Germ-tube formation in serum (correct)

    Correct. Germ-tube positivity is the traditional rapid identifier for C. albicans.

  • C. Acid-fast staining

    Acid-fast staining is for mycobacteria.

  • D. Urease production with a thick capsule

    Urease and capsule suggest Cryptococcus.

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, Germ-tube formation in serum. C.

Why is "Arthroconidia in tissue" not the answer?

Arthroconidia are not the defining C. albicans test.

Why is "Acid-fast staining" not the answer?

Acid-fast staining is for mycobacteria.

Why is "Urease production with a thick capsule" not the answer?

Urease and capsule suggest Cryptococcus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mycology: Candida albicans in Microbiology. albicans characteristically forms germ tubes in serum and can form pseudohyphae. It is a common cause of invasive candidiasis in patients with central lines, broad antibiotics, or neutropenia.

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: Candida albicans?

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.