Bacteriology: 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 · Bacteriology

Sample item

What feature is characteristic of Bordetella pertussis infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Paroxysmal cough with inspiratory whoop

Pertussis causes prolonged paroxysmal cough and may produce an inspiratory whoop or post-tussive vomiting, particularly in unvaccinated children.

Option by option

  • A. Profuse rice-water diarrhoea

    Rice-water stool suggests cholera.

  • B. Paroxysmal cough with inspiratory whoop (correct)

    Correct: paroxysms and whoop are classic.

  • C. Vesicular dermatomal rash

    Dermatomal vesicles suggest zoster.

  • D. Painless genital ulcer

    Genital ulcer suggests syphilis.

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, Paroxysmal cough with inspiratory whoop. Pertussis causes prolonged paroxysmal cough and may produce an inspiratory whoop or post-tussive vomiting, particularly in unvaccinated children.

Why is "Profuse rice-water diarrhoea" not the answer?

Rice-water stool suggests cholera.

Why is "Vesicular dermatomal rash" not the answer?

Dermatomal vesicles suggest zoster.

Why is "Painless genital ulcer" not the answer?

Genital ulcer suggests syphilis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: paroxysms and whoop are classic.

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 Bacteriology?

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.