Virology: 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

Sample item

What is the defining cellular target of HIV?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. CD4-positive T lymphocytes

HIV infects cells expressing CD4 with appropriate coreceptors, particularly helper T lymphocytes, leading to progressive immune dysfunction.

Option by option

  • A. Hepatocytes only

    Hepatocytes are not the defining target.

  • B. Erythrocytes

    Erythrocytes lack CD4.

  • C. CD4-positive T lymphocytes (correct)

    Correct: CD4 cells are central HIV targets.

  • D. Neutrophils only

    Neutrophils are not the main viral reservoir.

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, CD4-positive T lymphocytes. HIV infects cells expressing CD4 with appropriate coreceptors, particularly helper T lymphocytes, leading to progressive immune dysfunction.

Why is "Hepatocytes only" not the answer?

Hepatocytes are not the defining target.

Why is "Erythrocytes" not the answer?

Erythrocytes lack CD4.

Why is "Neutrophils only" not the answer?

Neutrophils are not the main viral reservoir.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: CD4 cells are central HIV targets.

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?

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.