Virology: 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 · Virology

Sample item

What virus causes infectious mononucleosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Epstein-Barr virus

Epstein-Barr virus infects B cells and commonly causes infectious mononucleosis with fever, pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, and atypical lymphocytes.

Option by option

  • A. Poliovirus

    Poliovirus can cause paralytic poliomyelitis.

  • B. Rotavirus

    Rotavirus commonly causes gastroenteritis in children.

  • C. Hepatitis A virus

    Hepatitis A primarily causes acute hepatitis.

  • D. Epstein-Barr virus (correct)

    Correct: EBV is the classic cause of infectious mononucleosis.

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.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, Epstein-Barr virus. Epstein-Barr virus infects B cells and commonly causes infectious mononucleosis with fever, pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, and atypical lymphocytes.

Why is "Poliovirus" not the answer?

Poliovirus can cause paralytic poliomyelitis.

Why is "Rotavirus" not the answer?

Rotavirus commonly causes gastroenteritis in children.

Why is "Hepatitis A virus" not the answer?

Hepatitis A primarily causes acute hepatitis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: EBV is the classic cause of infectious mononucleosis.

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 Virology?

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.