Virology: rubella: practice question

A Microbiology 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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Microbiology · Virology: rubella

Sample item

A newborn has cataract, sensorineural deafness and a continuous machinery murmur. Which maternal infection is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Rubella in the first trimester

Congenital rubella syndrome is classically cataract, deafness and patent ductus arteriosus, with highest risk if maternal infection occurs in the first trimester. Parvovirus causes hydrops fetalis and varicella causes limb hypoplasia and scarring with early infection.

Option by option

  • A. Parvovirus B19 in the second trimester

    Parvovirus B19 causes anaemia and hydrops fetalis.

  • B. Varicella in the third trimester

    Late varicella can cause neonatal disease but not this triad.

  • C. Rubella in the first trimester (correct)

    Correct. The triad of cataract, deafness and PDA indicates congenital rubella.

  • D. Syphilis in the third trimester

    Third-trimester syphilis would not typically give this triad.

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 Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is C, Rubella in the first trimester. Congenital rubella syndrome is classically cataract, deafness and patent ductus arteriosus, with highest risk if maternal infection occurs in the first trimester.

Why is "Parvovirus B19 in the second trimester" not the answer?

Parvovirus B19 causes anaemia and hydrops fetalis.

Why is "Varicella in the third trimester" not the answer?

Late varicella can cause neonatal disease but not this triad.

Why is "Syphilis in the third trimester" not the answer?

Third-trimester syphilis would not typically give this triad.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: rubella in Microbiology. Parvovirus causes hydrops fetalis and varicella causes limb hypoplasia and scarring with early infection.

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 Virology: rubella?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology 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.