Leprosy: nerve tropism: 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 · Leprosy: nerve tropism

Sample item

By which mechanism does Mycobacterium leprae attach to peripheral nerves?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Binding of phenolic glycolipid-1 to laminin-alpha 2 on the Schwann cell basal lamina

M. leprae has affinity for Schwann cells through binding of its phenolic glycolipid-1 to laminin-alpha 2 in the basal lamina. Infection leads to demyelination and nerve damage. This explains the nerve tropism of the disease.

Option by option

  • A. Binding of phenolic glycolipid-1 to laminin-alpha 2 on the Schwann cell basal lamina (correct)

    Correct. PGL-1 binds laminin-alpha 2 of the Schwann cell basal lamina.

  • B. Binding to myelin basic protein

    Myelin basic protein is not the attachment target.

  • C. Binding to acetylcholine receptors

    Acetylcholine receptor binding is not the mechanism.

  • D. Direct entry through sodium channels

    Sodium channels are not the entry route.

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 A, Binding of phenolic glycolipid-1 to laminin-alpha 2 on the Schwann cell basal lamina. M.

Why is "Binding to myelin basic protein" not the answer?

Myelin basic protein is not the attachment target.

Why is "Binding to acetylcholine receptors" not the answer?

Acetylcholine receptor binding is not the mechanism.

Why is "Direct entry through sodium channels" not the answer?

Sodium channels are not the entry route.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Leprosy: nerve tropism in Dermatology. leprae has affinity for Schwann cells through binding of its phenolic glycolipid-1 to laminin-alpha 2 in the basal lamina. Infection leads to demyelination and nerve damage. This explains the nerve tropism of the disease.

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 Leprosy: nerve tropism?

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.