Virology: molluscum contagiosum: 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: molluscum contagiosum

Sample item

A 5-year-old has multiple pearly, dome-shaped papules with central umbilication on the trunk and axillae. A curetted lesion is stained and examined. What is the expected finding?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic molluscum bodies

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus, which replicates in the cytoplasm, unlike most DNA viruses. Infected keratinocytes show large eosinophilic intracytoplasmic Henderson-Patterson (molluscum) bodies. Lesions resolve spontaneously, spread by contact, and in adults may be sexually transmitted.

Option by option

  • A. Large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic molluscum bodies (correct)

    Correct. Poxviruses replicate in the cytoplasm and form molluscum bodies.

  • B. Intranuclear owl's eye inclusions

    Owl's eye intranuclear inclusions are typical of cytomegalovirus.

  • C. Multinucleated cells with ground-glass nuclei

    Multinucleated ground-glass nuclei occur in herpes simplex and varicella lesions.

  • D. Intranuclear Cowdry type A inclusions

    Cowdry type A intranuclear inclusions occur in herpesvirus infection.

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, Large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic molluscum bodies. Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus, which replicates in the cytoplasm, unlike most DNA viruses.

Why is "Intranuclear owl's eye inclusions" not the answer?

Owl's eye intranuclear inclusions are typical of cytomegalovirus.

Why is "Multinucleated cells with ground-glass nuclei" not the answer?

Multinucleated ground-glass nuclei occur in herpes simplex and varicella lesions.

Why is "Intranuclear Cowdry type A inclusions" not the answer?

Cowdry type A intranuclear inclusions occur in herpesvirus infection.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: molluscum contagiosum in Microbiology. Infected keratinocytes show large eosinophilic intracytoplasmic Henderson-Patterson (molluscum) bodies. Lesions resolve spontaneously, spread by contact, and in adults may be sexually transmitted.

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: molluscum contagiosum?

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.