Mycology: 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 · Mycology

Sample item

Which opportunistic fungus is especially associated with invasive lung disease and characteristic septate branching hyphae in profoundly neutropenic patients?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Aspergillus fumigatus

Aspergillus fumigatus can invade lung tissue and blood vessels in severely immunocompromised patients; microscopy classically shows septate hyphae with acute-angle branching.

Option by option

  • A. Trichophyton rubrum

    Trichophyton is a dermatophyte affecting keratinized tissue.

  • B. Candida albicans

    Candida more often causes mucosal or bloodstream yeast infection.

  • C. Cryptococcus neoformans

    Cryptococcus is an encapsulated yeast with a different clinical syndrome.

  • D. Aspergillus fumigatus (correct)

    Correct: Aspergillus has septate acute-angle branching hyphae.

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, Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus fumigatus can invade lung tissue and blood vessels in severely immunocompromised patients; microscopy classically shows septate hyphae with acute-angle branching.

Why is "Trichophyton rubrum" not the answer?

Trichophyton is a dermatophyte affecting keratinized tissue.

Why is "Candida albicans" not the answer?

Candida more often causes mucosal or bloodstream yeast infection.

Why is "Cryptococcus neoformans" not the answer?

Cryptococcus is an encapsulated yeast with a different clinical syndrome.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mycology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: Aspergillus has septate acute-angle branching hyphae.

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 Mycology?

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.