Paediatric infections: post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis: practice question

A Pediatrics 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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Pediatrics · Paediatric infections: post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis

Sample item

A 7-year-old treated for kala-azar in Bihar 2 years ago now has hypopigmented macules and erythematous nodules over the face, with no sensory loss and a normal general condition. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis

PKDL appears months to a few years after treated visceral leishmaniasis in India, with hypopigmented macules, papules or nodules, especially on the face. Lesions retain sensation, unlike leprosy. Patients are a reservoir for transmission, so treatment matters for elimination.

Option by option

  • A. Tuberculoid leprosy

    Tuberculoid leprosy shows anaesthetic patches and thickened nerves.

  • B. Pityriasis alba

    Pityriasis alba gives scaly pale patches on cheeks without nodules or a kala-azar history.

  • C. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (correct)

    Correct. Facial macules and nodules after treated kala-azar in an endemic area are PKDL.

  • D. Vitiligo

    Vitiligo gives depigmented patches without nodules and without the preceding visceral disease.

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 Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. PKDL appears months to a few years after treated visceral leishmaniasis in India, with hypopigmented macules, papules or nodules, especially on the face.

Why is "Tuberculoid leprosy" not the answer?

Tuberculoid leprosy shows anaesthetic patches and thickened nerves.

Why is "Pityriasis alba" not the answer?

Pityriasis alba gives scaly pale patches on cheeks without nodules or a kala-azar history.

Why is "Vitiligo" not the answer?

Vitiligo gives depigmented patches without nodules and without the preceding visceral disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric infections: post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in Pediatrics. Lesions retain sensation, unlike leprosy. Patients are a reservoir for transmission, so treatment matters for elimination.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Paediatric infections: post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics 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.