Virology: cytomegalovirus: 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: cytomegalovirus

Sample item

Which histologic finding is characteristic of cytomegalovirus infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Large cells with intranuclear 'owl's-eye' inclusions

CMV-infected cells enlarge and show prominent basophilic intranuclear inclusions with a surrounding halo, giving the owl's-eye appearance. It causes serious disease in fetuses and immunocompromised patients.

Option by option

  • A. Negri bodies in neurons

    Negri bodies are associated with rabies.

  • B. Cowdry type A inclusions only in cornea

    Cowdry inclusions are more classically linked to herpes simplex or varicella.

  • C. Large cells with intranuclear 'owl's-eye' inclusions (correct)

    Correct. Owl's-eye inclusions are a classic CMV clue.

  • D. Sulphur granules in tissue

    Sulphur granules suggest Actinomyces.

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, Large cells with intranuclear 'owl's-eye' inclusions. CMV-infected cells enlarge and show prominent basophilic intranuclear inclusions with a surrounding halo, giving the owl's-eye appearance.

Why is "Negri bodies in neurons" not the answer?

Negri bodies are associated with rabies.

Why is "Cowdry type A inclusions only in cornea" not the answer?

Cowdry inclusions are more classically linked to herpes simplex or varicella.

Why is "Sulphur granules in tissue" not the answer?

Sulphur granules suggest Actinomyces.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: cytomegalovirus in Microbiology. It causes serious disease in fetuses and immunocompromised patients.

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: cytomegalovirus?

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.