Cornea: pneumococcal ulcer: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Cornea: pneumococcal ulcer

Sample item

A farmer presents with an ulcer in the central cornea with an advancing yellowish edge and an undermined opposite border, with hypopyon. This is typical of:

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Ulcus serpens due to pneumococcus

Pneumococcal corneal ulcer is a central acute ulcer with a spreading border and undermined edge (ulcus serpens), usually after minor trauma in a patient with chronic dacryocystitis. The lacrimal sac is a source of the organism. Treatment is with intensive antibiotics and treating the sac.

Option by option

  • A. Acanthamoeba keratitis

    Acanthamoeba presents with severe pain and ring infiltrate.

  • B. Marginal ulcer of staphylococcus

    Marginal ulcer occurs near the limbus, separated by a clear zone.

  • C. Mooren ulcer

    Mooren ulcer is peripheral and undermined without infection.

  • D. Ulcus serpens due to pneumococcus (correct)

    Correct. Ulcus serpens is characteristic of pneumococcus.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Ulcus serpens due to pneumococcus. Pneumococcal corneal ulcer is a central acute ulcer with a spreading border and undermined edge (ulcus serpens), usually after minor trauma in a patient with chronic dacryocystitis.

Why is "Acanthamoeba keratitis" not the answer?

Acanthamoeba presents with severe pain and ring infiltrate.

Why is "Marginal ulcer of staphylococcus" not the answer?

Marginal ulcer occurs near the limbus, separated by a clear zone.

Why is "Mooren ulcer" not the answer?

Mooren ulcer is peripheral and undermined without infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cornea: pneumococcal ulcer in Ophthalmology. The lacrimal sac is a source of the organism. Treatment is with intensive antibiotics and treating the sac.

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 Cornea: pneumococcal ulcer?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.