Virology: human papillomavirus: 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: human papillomavirus

Sample item

Persistent infection with which human papillomavirus types carries the greatest risk of cervical carcinoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. 16 and 18

HPV 16 and 18 are high-risk oncogenic types; their E6 and E7 proteins disrupt p53 and Rb pathways. HPV 6 and 11 are low-risk types commonly causing genital warts.

Option by option

  • A. 1 and 2

    Types 1 and 2 are associated with common cutaneous warts.

  • B. 6 and 11

    Types 6 and 11 usually cause benign anogenital warts.

  • C. 40 and 42

    These are low-risk types, not the leading oncogenic types.

  • D. 16 and 18 (correct)

    Correct. Types 16 and 18 account for much high-risk cervical disease.

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, 16 and 18. HPV 16 and 18 are high-risk oncogenic types; their E6 and E7 proteins disrupt p53 and Rb pathways.

Why is "1 and 2" not the answer?

Types 1 and 2 are associated with common cutaneous warts.

Why is "6 and 11" not the answer?

Types 6 and 11 usually cause benign anogenital warts.

Why is "40 and 42" not the answer?

These are low-risk types, not the leading oncogenic types.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: human papillomavirus in Microbiology. HPV 6 and 11 are low-risk types commonly causing genital warts.

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: human papillomavirus?

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.