Infectious pathology: viral cytopathic effect: practice question

A Pathology 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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Pathology · Infectious pathology: viral cytopathic effect

Sample item

Which histologic finding is characteristic of herpesvirus infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Multinucleated giant cells with nuclear inclusions

Herpesviruses can cause multinucleation, nuclear molding, chromatin margination, and intranuclear inclusions in infected epithelial cells. Cytology and PCR can aid diagnosis.

Option by option

  • A. Auer rods in myeloblasts

    Auer rods occur in acute myeloid leukemia.

  • B. Foam cells in arterial intima

    Foam cells are seen in atherosclerosis.

  • C. Acid-fast bacilli in macrophages only

    Acid-fast bacilli suggest mycobacterial infection.

  • D. Multinucleated giant cells with nuclear inclusions (correct)

    Correct. Multinucleated cells with nuclear inclusions are a classic herpes cytopathic pattern.

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 Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, Multinucleated giant cells with nuclear inclusions. Herpesviruses can cause multinucleation, nuclear molding, chromatin margination, and intranuclear inclusions in infected epithelial cells.

Why is "Auer rods in myeloblasts" not the answer?

Auer rods occur in acute myeloid leukemia.

Why is "Foam cells in arterial intima" not the answer?

Foam cells are seen in atherosclerosis.

Why is "Acid-fast bacilli in macrophages only" not the answer?

Acid-fast bacilli suggest mycobacterial infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infectious pathology: viral cytopathic effect in Pathology. Cytology and PCR can aid diagnosis.

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 Infectious pathology: viral cytopathic effect?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.