Viral infections: erythema infectiosum: practice question

A Dermatology 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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Dermatology · Viral infections: erythema infectiosum

Sample item

A child with bright red cheeks followed by a lacy reticular rash on the limbs has a sibling with hereditary spherocytosis. Which complication is that sibling at risk of?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Transient aplastic crisis

Parvovirus B19 infects erythroid progenitors and halts red cell production. In chronic haemolytic anaemias such as sickle cell disease or spherocytosis, this causes a transient aplastic crisis.

Option by option

  • A. Haemolytic uraemic syndrome

    Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is linked to Shiga toxin E. coli.

  • B. Transient aplastic crisis (correct)

    Correct. Erythroid arrest in shortened red cell survival leads to aplastic crisis.

  • C. Encephalitis

    Encephalitis is not a typical complication of B19.

  • D. Myocarditis

    Myocarditis is typically caused by enteroviruses.

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 Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Transient aplastic crisis. Parvovirus B19 infects erythroid progenitors and halts red cell production.

Why is "Haemolytic uraemic syndrome" not the answer?

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is linked to Shiga toxin E. coli.

Why is "Encephalitis" not the answer?

Encephalitis is not a typical complication of B19.

Why is "Myocarditis" not the answer?

Myocarditis is typically caused by enteroviruses.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Viral infections: erythema infectiosum in Dermatology. In chronic haemolytic anaemias such as sickle cell disease or spherocytosis, this causes a transient aplastic crisis.

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 Viral infections: erythema infectiosum?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.