Virology: human herpesvirus 6: 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: human herpesvirus 6

Sample item

An 11-month-old infant has high fever up to 40 degrees C for 3 days with a febrile convulsion. As the fever settles, a pink maculopapular rash appears on the trunk. Which virus is responsible?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Human herpesvirus 6

Roseola infantum, or exanthem subitum, is caused mainly by human herpesvirus 6 in infants. The characteristic feature is high fever followed by rash when the fever falls, and the child looks relatively well. Febrile seizures are a common complication.

Option by option

  • A. Rubella virus

    Rubella produces rash with only mild fever and lymphadenopathy.

  • B. Human herpesvirus 6 (correct)

    Correct. Rash appearing on defervescence is typical of human herpesvirus 6.

  • C. Parvovirus B19

    Parvovirus B19 causes slapped-cheek rash with little fever.

  • D. Measles virus

    Measles presents with rash during fever, with cough, coryza and conjunctivitis.

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, Human herpesvirus 6. Roseola infantum, or exanthem subitum, is caused mainly by human herpesvirus 6 in infants.

Why is "Rubella virus" not the answer?

Rubella produces rash with only mild fever and lymphadenopathy.

Why is "Parvovirus B19" not the answer?

Parvovirus B19 causes slapped-cheek rash with little fever.

Why is "Measles virus" not the answer?

Measles presents with rash during fever, with cough, coryza and conjunctivitis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: human herpesvirus 6 in Microbiology. The characteristic feature is high fever followed by rash when the fever falls, and the child looks relatively well. Febrile seizures are a common complication.

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: human herpesvirus 6?

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.