Virology: human herpesvirus 8: 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 8

Sample item

A man with HIV has several purple-red nodules on the legs and palate. Biopsy shows spindle-shaped cells and slit-like vascular spaces. Which virus is implicated?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Human herpesvirus 8

Kaposi sarcoma is caused by human herpesvirus 8, also called Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and is common when CD4 counts are low. Viral latency proteins such as LANA drive proliferation of endothelial-type spindle cells. The virus is also linked to primary effusion lymphoma and Castleman disease.

Option by option

  • A. Human papillomavirus

    Human papillomavirus causes warts and cervical cancer.

  • B. Human herpesvirus 6

    Human herpesvirus 6 causes roseola.

  • C. Epstein-Barr virus

    Epstein-Barr virus is linked to Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

  • D. Human herpesvirus 8 (correct)

    Correct. Human herpesvirus 8 is the cause of Kaposi sarcoma.

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 D, Human herpesvirus 8. Kaposi sarcoma is caused by human herpesvirus 8, also called Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and is common when CD4 counts are low.

Why is "Human papillomavirus" not the answer?

Human papillomavirus causes warts and cervical cancer.

Why is "Human herpesvirus 6" not the answer?

Human herpesvirus 6 causes roseola.

Why is "Epstein-Barr virus" not the answer?

Epstein-Barr virus is linked to Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: human herpesvirus 8 in Microbiology. Viral latency proteins such as LANA drive proliferation of endothelial-type spindle cells. The virus is also linked to primary effusion lymphoma and Castleman disease.

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 8?

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.