Virology: perinatal varicella: 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: perinatal varicella

Sample item

A mother develops a varicella rash 2 days before delivering a term baby, who is currently asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate step for the newborn?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin at birth

When maternal varicella appears from about 5 days before to 2 days after delivery, the baby is exposed to a large viral load without time to receive protective maternal antibody. Neonatal varicella is then severe with high mortality. Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin is given as soon as possible, and antivirals are used if disease develops.

Option by option

  • A. No intervention, because maternal antibody is protective

    Maternal antibody has not had time to cross the placenta when the rash is this close to delivery.

  • B. Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin at birth (correct)

    Correct. Passive antibody is needed because maternal antibody had too little time to reach the fetus.

  • C. Observation alone and treatment only if lesions appear after 1 month

    Waiting for lesions risks severe disseminated neonatal disease.

  • D. Live attenuated varicella vaccine at birth

    A live vaccine is not given to a newborn and would not act quickly enough.

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 B, Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin at birth. When maternal varicella appears from about 5 days before to 2 days after delivery, the baby is exposed to a large viral load without time to receive protective maternal antibody.

Why is "No intervention, because maternal antibody is protective" not the answer?

Maternal antibody has not had time to cross the placenta when the rash is this close to delivery.

Why is "Observation alone and treatment only if lesions appear after 1 month" not the answer?

Waiting for lesions risks severe disseminated neonatal disease.

Why is "Live attenuated varicella vaccine at birth" not the answer?

A live vaccine is not given to a newborn and would not act quickly enough.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: perinatal varicella in Microbiology. Neonatal varicella is then severe with high mortality. Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin is given as soon as possible, and antivirals are used if disease develops.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: perinatal varicella?

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.