Infectious diseases: post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis: practice question

A General Medicine 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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General Medicine · Infectious diseases: post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis

Sample item

A 25-year-old man from Bihar was treated for kala-azar two years ago. He now has hypopigmented macules and nodules over the face and trunk without sensory loss. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis appears months to years after visceral leishmaniasis, with hypopigmented macules or nodules mainly on the face. Skin sensation is preserved, unlike in leprosy, and the patients act as a reservoir of infection.

Option by option

  • A. Tuberculoid leprosy

    Tuberculoid leprosy produces anaesthetic lesions with nerve thickening.

  • B. Vitiligo

    Vitiligo gives depigmented patches without nodules or a link to kala-azar.

  • C. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (correct)

    Correct. A past kala-azar with new facial macules and nodules fits this late dermal form.

  • D. Pityriasis versicolor

    Pityriasis versicolor causes scaly patches without nodules.

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 General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is C, Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis appears months to years after visceral leishmaniasis, with hypopigmented macules or nodules mainly on the face.

Why is "Tuberculoid leprosy" not the answer?

Tuberculoid leprosy produces anaesthetic lesions with nerve thickening.

Why is "Vitiligo" not the answer?

Vitiligo gives depigmented patches without nodules or a link to kala-azar.

Why is "Pityriasis versicolor" not the answer?

Pityriasis versicolor causes scaly patches without nodules.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infectious diseases: post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in General Medicine. Skin sensation is preserved, unlike in leprosy, and the patients act as a reservoir of infection.

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 Infectious diseases: post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine 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.