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.

Try it

Microbiology · Mycology

Sample item

Which fungus is associated with meningitis in advanced HIV infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that can cause subacute meningitis in severe immunosuppression, especially advanced HIV.

Option by option

  • A. Cryptococcus neoformans (correct)

    Correct: Cryptococcus is a key opportunistic meningitis cause.

  • B. Microsporum canis

    Microsporum infects skin and hair.

  • C. Trichophyton rubrum

    Trichophyton causes dermatophyte infection.

  • D. Malassezia furfur

    Malassezia causes tinea versicolor.

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 A, Cryptococcus neoformans. Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that can cause subacute meningitis in severe immunosuppression, especially advanced HIV.

Why is "Microsporum canis" not the answer?

Microsporum infects skin and hair.

Why is "Trichophyton rubrum" not the answer?

Trichophyton causes dermatophyte infection.

Why is "Malassezia furfur" not the answer?

Malassezia causes tinea versicolor.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mycology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: Cryptococcus is a key opportunistic meningitis cause.

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.