Mycology: Cryptococcus neoformans: 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: Cryptococcus neoformans

Sample item

In a person with advanced HIV, which test rapidly demonstrates the capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans in cerebrospinal fluid?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. India ink preparation

Cryptococcus is an encapsulated yeast that can cause subacute meningitis in severe cellular immunodeficiency. India ink shows a clear halo around the capsule; cryptococcal antigen testing is highly sensitive.

Option by option

  • A. India ink preparation (correct)

    Correct. India ink can reveal the prominent polysaccharide capsule.

  • B. Kinyoun stain for oocysts

    Modified acid-fast stains may identify Cryptosporidium or Cyclospora.

  • C. Albert stain

    Albert stain highlights metachromatic granules of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

  • D. Ziehl-Neelsen stain

    Ziehl-Neelsen staining is used for acid-fast bacilli.

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.

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Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is A, India ink preparation. Cryptococcus is an encapsulated yeast that can cause subacute meningitis in severe cellular immunodeficiency.

Why is "Kinyoun stain for oocysts" not the answer?

Modified acid-fast stains may identify Cryptosporidium or Cyclospora.

Why is "Albert stain" not the answer?

Albert stain highlights metachromatic granules of Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

Why is "Ziehl-Neelsen stain" not the answer?

Ziehl-Neelsen staining is used for acid-fast bacilli.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mycology: Cryptococcus neoformans in Microbiology. India ink shows a clear halo around the capsule; cryptococcal antigen testing is highly sensitive.

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: Cryptococcus neoformans?

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.