Virology: JC virus: 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.

Try it

Microbiology · Virology: JC virus

Sample item

A man with advanced HIV has progressive right hemiparesis and visual field loss over weeks. MRI shows multiple non-enhancing white matter lesions without mass effect. Which agent is responsible?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. JC polyomavirus

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy follows reactivation of JC polyomavirus, which latently infects the kidney and lymphoid cells. The virus destroys oligodendrocytes and produces demyelinating lesions without enhancement or oedema. Toxoplasmosis in contrast gives ring-enhancing lesions with mass effect.

Option by option

  • A. JC polyomavirus (correct)

    Correct. JC virus infects oligodendrocytes to produce non-enhancing demyelination.

  • B. Herpes simplex virus type 1

    Herpes simplex encephalitis is localised to temporal lobes and presents acutely with fever.

  • C. Cryptococcus neoformans

    Cryptococcus causes meningitis rather than demyelinating white matter lesions.

  • D. Toxoplasma gondii

    Toxoplasmosis typically produces ring-enhancing lesions with mass effect.

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, JC polyomavirus. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy follows reactivation of JC polyomavirus, which latently infects the kidney and lymphoid cells.

Why is "Herpes simplex virus type 1" not the answer?

Herpes simplex encephalitis is localised to temporal lobes and presents acutely with fever.

Why is "Cryptococcus neoformans" not the answer?

Cryptococcus causes meningitis rather than demyelinating white matter lesions.

Why is "Toxoplasma gondii" not the answer?

Toxoplasmosis typically produces ring-enhancing lesions with mass effect.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: JC virus in Microbiology. The virus destroys oligodendrocytes and produces demyelinating lesions without enhancement or oedema. Toxoplasmosis in contrast gives ring-enhancing lesions with mass effect.

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: JC virus?

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.