Virology: rabies: 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: rabies

Sample item

After a bite from a rabid animal, where does rabies virus typically travel before reaching the central nervous system?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Retrograde along peripheral nerves

Rabies replicates locally in muscle and then enters peripheral nerves, travelling retrogradely to the CNS. Prompt wound care plus post-exposure prophylaxis is critical before neural invasion.

Option by option

  • A. By infecting erythrocytes

    Rabies does not use erythrocytes for dissemination.

  • B. Through portal venous blood to the liver

    Hepatic portal spread is not the route to encephalitis.

  • C. Retrograde along peripheral nerves (correct)

    Correct. Retrograde axonal transport explains the variable incubation period.

  • D. Through lymphatics only

    Neural spread, rather than lymphatics alone, is central to pathogenesis.

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 C, Retrograde along peripheral nerves. Rabies replicates locally in muscle and then enters peripheral nerves, travelling retrogradely to the CNS.

Why is "By infecting erythrocytes" not the answer?

Rabies does not use erythrocytes for dissemination.

Why is "Through portal venous blood to the liver" not the answer?

Hepatic portal spread is not the route to encephalitis.

Why is "Through lymphatics only" not the answer?

Neural spread, rather than lymphatics alone, is central to pathogenesis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: rabies in Microbiology. Prompt wound care plus post-exposure prophylaxis is critical before neural invasion.

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: rabies?

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.