Viral infections: 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

Sample item

A 6-year-old child has multiple small, pearly, dome-shaped papules with central umbilication on the trunk and in the axillae. What is the causative agent?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Molluscum contagiosum virus (a poxvirus)

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a DNA poxvirus and spreads by direct contact and autoinoculation. Histology shows large intracytoplasmic molluscum (Henderson-Paterson) bodies. It is usually self-limiting in immunocompetent children.

Option by option

  • A. Human papillomavirus

    Human papillomavirus causes warts, which are rough or hyperkeratotic rather than smooth, pearly and umbilicated.

  • B. Molluscum contagiosum virus (a poxvirus) (correct)

    Correct. Umbilicated pearly papules are the hallmark of this poxvirus infection.

  • C. Herpes simplex virus

    Herpes simplex virus causes grouped vesicles on an erythematous base.

  • D. Varicella-zoster virus

    Varicella-zoster virus causes vesicles that appear in crops, not persistent pearly umbilicated papules.

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.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Molluscum contagiosum virus (a poxvirus). Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a DNA poxvirus and spreads by direct contact and autoinoculation.

Why is "Human papillomavirus" not the answer?

Human papillomavirus causes warts, which are rough or hyperkeratotic rather than smooth, pearly and umbilicated.

Why is "Herpes simplex virus" not the answer?

Herpes simplex virus causes grouped vesicles on an erythematous base.

Why is "Varicella-zoster virus" not the answer?

Varicella-zoster virus causes vesicles that appear in crops, not persistent pearly umbilicated papules.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Viral infections in Dermatology. Histology shows large intracytoplasmic molluscum (Henderson-Paterson) bodies. It is usually self-limiting in immunocompetent children.

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?

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.