Virology: smallpox rash: 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: smallpox rash

Sample item

A medical student compares the rash of smallpox with that of chickenpox. Which description applies to smallpox?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Centrifugal distribution with all lesions at the same stage

In smallpox the lesions are denser on the face and extremities, including palms and soles, and they evolve together from macule to papule, vesicle and pustule. Chickenpox lesions are mainly on the trunk and appear in crops at different stages.

Option by option

  • A. Centripetal distribution with lesions in successive crops

    Centripetal crops of mixed-stage lesions describe chickenpox.

  • B. Centrifugal distribution with all lesions at the same stage (correct)

    Correct. Centrifugal spread with uniform lesions is the pattern of smallpox.

  • C. Vesicles confined to one dermatome

    A single-dermatome vesicular rash describes herpes zoster.

  • D. Koplik spots preceding a maculopapular rash

    Koplik spots with a maculopapular rash describe measles.

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, Centrifugal distribution with all lesions at the same stage. In smallpox the lesions are denser on the face and extremities, including palms and soles, and they evolve together from macule to papule, vesicle and pustule.

Why is "Centripetal distribution with lesions in successive crops" not the answer?

Centripetal crops of mixed-stage lesions describe chickenpox.

Why is "Vesicles confined to one dermatome" not the answer?

A single-dermatome vesicular rash describes herpes zoster.

Why is "Koplik spots preceding a maculopapular rash" not the answer?

Koplik spots with a maculopapular rash describe measles.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Virology: smallpox rash in Microbiology. Chickenpox lesions are mainly on the trunk and appear in crops at different stages.

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: smallpox rash?

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.