Poxviruses: inclusion bodies: 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 · Poxviruses: inclusion bodies

Sample item

Scrapings from a pustule of a poxvirus infection are stained and examined. Where do the characteristic eosinophilic Guarnieri bodies lie?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. In the cytoplasm of infected epidermal cells

Poxviruses are unusual DNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm, forming eosinophilic inclusions called Guarnieri bodies in variola and vaccinia infections. Most other DNA viruses replicate in the nucleus. Molluscum contagiosum forms Henderson-Paterson bodies, also cytoplasmic.

Option by option

  • A. In the cytoplasm of neurons

    Cytoplasmic neuronal inclusions describe Negri bodies of rabies.

  • B. In the cytoplasm of infected epidermal cells (correct)

    Correct. Pox virus factories in the cytoplasm form Guarnieri bodies.

  • C. In the nucleus of hepatocytes

    Intranuclear hepatocyte inclusions are not features of poxvirus infection.

  • D. In the nucleus of infected epidermal cells

    Intranuclear inclusions are typical of herpesviruses, such as Cowdry type A bodies, not poxviruses.

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 Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is B, In the cytoplasm of infected epidermal cells. Poxviruses are unusual DNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm, forming eosinophilic inclusions called Guarnieri bodies in variola and vaccinia infections.

Why is "In the cytoplasm of neurons" not the answer?

Cytoplasmic neuronal inclusions describe Negri bodies of rabies.

Why is "In the nucleus of hepatocytes" not the answer?

Intranuclear hepatocyte inclusions are not features of poxvirus infection.

Why is "In the nucleus of infected epidermal cells" not the answer?

Intranuclear inclusions are typical of herpesviruses, such as Cowdry type A bodies, not poxviruses.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Poxviruses: inclusion bodies in Microbiology. Most other DNA viruses replicate in the nucleus. Molluscum contagiosum forms Henderson-Paterson bodies, also cytoplasmic.

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 Poxviruses: inclusion bodies?

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.