Viral infections: roseola infantum: practice question

A Dermatology 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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Dermatology · Viral infections: roseola infantum

Sample item

A 14-month-old has three days of high fever, after which the fever abruptly settles and a pink maculopapular rash appears on the trunk. Which virus is responsible?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Human herpesvirus 6

Roseola infantum (exanthem subitum) is caused by HHV-6, and sometimes HHV-7. The rash appears as the fever subsides, and febrile seizures are a recognised complication.

Option by option

  • A. Human herpesvirus 6 (correct)

    Correct. Rash after defervescence is the hallmark of HHV-6.

  • B. Coxsackievirus

    Coxsackievirus produces oral and acral vesicles.

  • C. Rubella virus

    Rubella has rash with mild fever and postauricular nodes.

  • D. Parvovirus B19

    Parvovirus B19 produces slapped cheeks with a lacy rash.

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 Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is A, Human herpesvirus 6. Roseola infantum (exanthem subitum) is caused by HHV-6, and sometimes HHV-7.

Why is "Coxsackievirus" not the answer?

Coxsackievirus produces oral and acral vesicles.

Why is "Rubella virus" not the answer?

Rubella has rash with mild fever and postauricular nodes.

Why is "Parvovirus B19" not the answer?

Parvovirus B19 produces slapped cheeks with a lacy rash.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Viral infections: roseola infantum in Dermatology. The rash appears as the fever subsides, and febrile seizures are a recognised complication.

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 Viral infections: roseola infantum?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.