Communicable diseases: wild poliovirus status: practice question

A PSM 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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PSM · Communicable diseases: wild poliovirus status

Sample item

Which statement about wild poliovirus is correct?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Only wild poliovirus type 1 is still circulating in endemic countries

Wild poliovirus types 2 and 3 have been declared globally eradicated, so only type 1 remains endemic, in Pakistan and Afghanistan. India reported its last wild case in January 2011 and was certified polio-free in 2014.

Option by option

  • A. Wild poliovirus type 2 is still circulating widely

    Type 2 was certified eradicated in 2015.

  • B. All three types remain endemic in India

    India is polio-free and no wild type is endemic.

  • C. Type 3 remains the commonest wild type

    Type 3 was certified eradicated in 2019.

  • D. Only wild poliovirus type 1 is still circulating in endemic countries (correct)

    Correct. Only type 1 persists in the wild.

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 PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, Only wild poliovirus type 1 is still circulating in endemic countries. Wild poliovirus types 2 and 3 have been declared globally eradicated, so only type 1 remains endemic, in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Why is "Wild poliovirus type 2 is still circulating widely" not the answer?

Type 2 was certified eradicated in 2015.

Why is "All three types remain endemic in India" not the answer?

India is polio-free and no wild type is endemic.

Why is "Type 3 remains the commonest wild type" not the answer?

Type 3 was certified eradicated in 2019.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable diseases: wild poliovirus status in PSM. India reported its last wild case in January 2011 and was certified polio-free in 2014.

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 Communicable diseases: wild poliovirus status?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM 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.