STI: neonatal herpes prevention: 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 · STI: neonatal herpes prevention

Sample item

A woman at 38 weeks has a first episode of genital herpes with active lesions at the onset of labour. What is the best obstetric management to reduce neonatal infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Caesarean section, with antiviral therapy

Neonatal herpes risk is highest when maternal primary infection occurs near delivery, as the baby is exposed to high viral load without maternal antibodies. Caesarean section is advised if lesions or prodromal symptoms are present at labour. Antivirals also lower viral shedding.

Option by option

  • A. Oral antibiotics to the neonate only

    Antibiotics do not act on viruses.

  • B. Induce labour after 2 weeks

    Delaying labour would prolong exposure and does not protect the baby.

  • C. Caesarean section, with antiviral therapy (correct)

    Correct. Active lesions in labour call for caesarean delivery.

  • D. Vaginal delivery with no precautions

    Unprotected vaginal delivery risks neonatal herpes.

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 C, Caesarean section, with antiviral therapy. Neonatal herpes risk is highest when maternal primary infection occurs near delivery, as the baby is exposed to high viral load without maternal antibodies.

Why is "Oral antibiotics to the neonate only" not the answer?

Antibiotics do not act on viruses.

Why is "Induce labour after 2 weeks" not the answer?

Delaying labour would prolong exposure and does not protect the baby.

Why is "Vaginal delivery with no precautions" not the answer?

Unprotected vaginal delivery risks neonatal herpes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests STI: neonatal herpes prevention in Dermatology. Caesarean section is advised if lesions or prodromal symptoms are present at labour. Antivirals also lower viral shedding.

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 STI: neonatal herpes prevention?

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.