Viral infections: ampicillin rash in infectious mononucleosis: 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: ampicillin rash in infectious mononucleosis

Sample item

A teenager with sore throat and lymphadenopathy takes amoxicillin and develops a diffuse maculopapular rash. What does this most likely indicate?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Underlying Epstein-Barr virus infection, not true allergy

Aminopenicillins commonly cause a nonallergic maculopapular rash in patients with infectious mononucleosis due to EBV. The rash does not mean future penicillin allergy.

Option by option

  • A. IgE mediated anaphylaxis

    Anaphylaxis would cause urticaria and shock quickly, not a delayed maculopapular rash.

  • B. Underlying Epstein-Barr virus infection, not true allergy (correct)

    Correct. The rash reflects EBV infection rather than true penicillin allergy.

  • C. Stevens-Johnson syndrome

    SJS needs mucosal erosions and epidermal detachment.

  • D. Serum sickness

    Serum sickness features fever, arthralgia and urticaria 1 to 2 weeks later.

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, Underlying Epstein-Barr virus infection, not true allergy. Aminopenicillins commonly cause a nonallergic maculopapular rash in patients with infectious mononucleosis due to EBV.

Why is "IgE mediated anaphylaxis" not the answer?

Anaphylaxis would cause urticaria and shock quickly, not a delayed maculopapular rash.

Why is "Stevens-Johnson syndrome" not the answer?

SJS needs mucosal erosions and epidermal detachment.

Why is "Serum sickness" not the answer?

Serum sickness features fever, arthralgia and urticaria 1 to 2 weeks later.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Viral infections: ampicillin rash in infectious mononucleosis in Dermatology. The rash does not mean future penicillin allergy.

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: ampicillin rash in infectious mononucleosis?

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.