Infections: pertussis: practice question

A Pediatrics 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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Pediatrics · Infections: pertussis

Sample item

A 3-month-old has paroxysms of cough ending in a whoop and post-tussive vomiting. The white cell count shows marked lymphocytosis. Which drug is preferred?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Azithromycin

Pertussis is treated with a macrolide, azithromycin being preferred in young infants. Antibiotics reduce transmission but have limited effect on the paroxysmal phase if started late. Lymphocytosis is due to pertussis toxin.

Option by option

  • A. Cotrimoxazole

    Cotrimoxazole is an alternative only when macrolides cannot be used and is avoided under 2 months.

  • B. Azithromycin (correct)

    Correct. Macrolides such as azithromycin are drugs of choice.

  • C. Gentamicin

    Gentamicin has no role.

  • D. Amoxicillin-clavulanate

    Amoxicillin-clavulanate is not effective.

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 Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, Azithromycin. Pertussis is treated with a macrolide, azithromycin being preferred in young infants.

Why is "Cotrimoxazole" not the answer?

Cotrimoxazole is an alternative only when macrolides cannot be used and is avoided under 2 months.

Why is "Gentamicin" not the answer?

Gentamicin has no role.

Why is "Amoxicillin-clavulanate" not the answer?

Amoxicillin-clavulanate is not effective.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: pertussis in Pediatrics. Antibiotics reduce transmission but have limited effect on the paroxysmal phase if started late. Lymphocytosis is due to pertussis toxin.

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 Infections: pertussis?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics 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.