Virology: 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

Sample item

Which virus establishes latency in dorsal-root ganglia after primary varicella infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Varicella-zoster virus

Varicella-zoster virus remains latent in sensory ganglia after chickenpox and can later reactivate as herpes zoster in a dermatome.

Option by option

  • A. Varicella-zoster virus (correct)

    Correct: VZV reactivates from sensory ganglia.

  • B. Cytomegalovirus

    CMV has other latency sites.

  • C. Hepatitis C virus

    HCV is a chronic hepatotropic virus.

  • D. Norovirus

    Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis.

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 A, Varicella-zoster virus. Varicella-zoster virus remains latent in sensory ganglia after chickenpox and can later reactivate as herpes zoster in a dermatome.

Why is "Cytomegalovirus" not the answer?

CMV has other latency sites.

Why is "Hepatitis C virus" not the answer?

HCV is a chronic hepatotropic virus.

Why is "Norovirus" not the answer?

Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: VZV reactivates from sensory ganglia.

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 Virology?

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.