Fungal infections: chromoblastomycosis: 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 · Fungal infections: chromoblastomycosis

Sample item

A farmer has a verrucous plaque on the leg for years. Histology shows brownish, thick-walled round cells arranged in clusters. What are these called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Sclerotic (Medlar) bodies

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis by dematiaceous fungi and shows copper-coloured sclerotic bodies. Treatment is difficult; itraconazole and surgery are used.

Option by option

  • A. Donovan bodies

    Donovan bodies are seen in granuloma inguinale.

  • B. Russell bodies

    Russell bodies are immunoglobulin inclusions in plasma cells.

  • C. Sclerotic (Medlar) bodies (correct)

    Correct. Medlar bodies identify chromoblastomycosis.

  • D. Asteroid bodies

    Asteroid bodies are star-shaped inclusions in sarcoidosis and sporotrichosis.

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 C, Sclerotic (Medlar) bodies. Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis by dematiaceous fungi and shows copper-coloured sclerotic bodies.

Why is "Donovan bodies" not the answer?

Donovan bodies are seen in granuloma inguinale.

Why is "Russell bodies" not the answer?

Russell bodies are immunoglobulin inclusions in plasma cells.

Why is "Asteroid bodies" not the answer?

Asteroid bodies are star-shaped inclusions in sarcoidosis and sporotrichosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fungal infections: chromoblastomycosis in Dermatology. Treatment is difficult; itraconazole and surgery are used.

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 Fungal infections: chromoblastomycosis?

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.