Communicable diseases: Zika virus in pregnancy: practice question

A PSM 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.

Try it

PSM · Communicable diseases: Zika virus in pregnancy

Sample item

A woman at 12 weeks of pregnancy returns from an Aedes-infested area where Zika virus is circulating. She had mild fever, a maculopapular rash and non-purulent conjunctivitis 10 days ago. Which fetal outcome is the main public health concern?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Microcephaly with brain calcification

Zika virus infection in pregnancy can cause congenital Zika syndrome, of which microcephaly with intracranial calcification is the best known feature. Infection in adults is usually mild. The virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and can also spread sexually.

Option by option

  • A. Neonatal vesicular rash with encephalitis

    Vesicular rash with encephalitis suggests neonatal herpes simplex infection.

  • B. Hydrops fetalis with severe anaemia

    Hydrops with severe anaemia is the picture of fetal parvovirus B19 infection.

  • C. Microcephaly with brain calcification (correct)

    Correct. Congenital Zika syndrome includes microcephaly and intracranial calcification.

  • D. Congenital cataract with deafness

    Cataract with deafness belongs to congenital rubella syndrome.

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 PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is C, Microcephaly with brain calcification. Zika virus infection in pregnancy can cause congenital Zika syndrome, of which microcephaly with intracranial calcification is the best known feature.

Why is "Neonatal vesicular rash with encephalitis" not the answer?

Vesicular rash with encephalitis suggests neonatal herpes simplex infection.

Why is "Hydrops fetalis with severe anaemia" not the answer?

Hydrops with severe anaemia is the picture of fetal parvovirus B19 infection.

Why is "Congenital cataract with deafness" not the answer?

Cataract with deafness belongs to congenital rubella syndrome.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable diseases: Zika virus in pregnancy in PSM. Infection in adults is usually mild. The virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and can also spread sexually.

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 Communicable diseases: Zika virus in pregnancy?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM 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.