Bacterial infections: erysipelas: 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 · Bacterial infections: erysipelas

Sample item

A 60-year-old has fever and a sharply demarcated, raised, tender red plaque over one cheek with a palpable edge. Which organism is the usual cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Streptococcus pyogenes

Erysipelas is an infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics, most often due to group A beta-haemolytic streptococci. The sharp, raised border distinguishes it from deeper cellulitis. Treatment is penicillin.

Option by option

  • A. Candida albicans

    Candida causes intertrigo and mucosal disease, not an acutely febrile facial plaque.

  • B. Streptococcus pyogenes (correct)

    Correct. Group A streptococcus is the classic cause and penicillin is effective.

  • C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa

    Pseudomonas causes folliculitis and ecthyma gangrenosum, not a raised plaque with a sharp edge.

  • D. Clostridium perfringens

    Clostridium causes gas gangrene with crepitus and necrosis.

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, Streptococcus pyogenes. Erysipelas is an infection of the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics, most often due to group A beta-haemolytic streptococci.

Why is "Candida albicans" not the answer?

Candida causes intertrigo and mucosal disease, not an acutely febrile facial plaque.

Why is "Pseudomonas aeruginosa" not the answer?

Pseudomonas causes folliculitis and ecthyma gangrenosum, not a raised plaque with a sharp edge.

Why is "Clostridium perfringens" not the answer?

Clostridium causes gas gangrene with crepitus and necrosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacterial infections: erysipelas in Dermatology. The sharp, raised border distinguishes it from deeper cellulitis. Treatment is penicillin.

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 Bacterial infections: erysipelas?

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.