Virology: human papillomavirus types: 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: human papillomavirus types

Sample item

A 2-year-old child has progressive hoarseness and stridor. Laryngoscopy shows multiple exophytic papillomatous lesions on the vocal cords. The mother had genital warts during pregnancy and delivered vaginally. Which viral types are most likely responsible?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. HPV 6 and 11

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is acquired from the maternal genital tract at delivery, and the causative low-risk types are HPV 6 and 11, which also cause anogenital warts. The lesions recur and may need repeated surgery. High-risk types 16 and 18 cause cervical and oropharyngeal cancers.

Option by option

  • A. HPV 5 and 8

    HPV 5 and 8 are associated with epidermodysplasia verruciformis.

  • B. HPV 1 and 2

    HPV 1 and 2 cause common and plantar skin warts.

  • C. HPV 16 and 18

    HPV 16 and 18 are high-risk oncogenic types linked to cervical cancer.

  • D. HPV 6 and 11 (correct)

    HPV 6 and 11 cause genital warts and laryngeal papillomas in infants born to affected mothers.

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 D, HPV 6 and 11. Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is acquired from the maternal genital tract at delivery, and the causative low-risk types are HPV 6 and 11, which also cause anogenital warts.

Why is "HPV 5 and 8" not the answer?

HPV 5 and 8 are associated with epidermodysplasia verruciformis.

Why is "HPV 1 and 2" not the answer?

HPV 1 and 2 cause common and plantar skin warts.

Why is "HPV 16 and 18" not the answer?

HPV 16 and 18 are high-risk oncogenic types linked to cervical cancer.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: human papillomavirus types in Microbiology. The lesions recur and may need repeated surgery. High-risk types 16 and 18 cause cervical and oropharyngeal cancers.

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: human papillomavirus types?

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.