Infections: paediatric HIV diagnosis: 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: paediatric HIV diagnosis

Sample item

An HIV-exposed infant is 6 weeks old. Which test confirms or excludes infection at this age?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. HIV-1 DNA PCR (nucleic acid test)

Maternal IgG antibodies persist up to 18 months, so antibody tests cannot be used for diagnosis in early infancy. Virological tests such as DNA PCR are performed at 6 weeks and repeated if needed. Antibody testing is reliable after 18 months.

Option by option

  • A. ELISA for HIV antibody

    ELISA reflects maternal antibodies.

  • B. Western blot

    Western blot also detects maternal antibody.

  • C. HIV-1 DNA PCR (nucleic acid test) (correct)

    Correct. Virological testing is needed before 18 months.

  • D. CD4 count

    CD4 count is for staging, not diagnosis.

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 C, HIV-1 DNA PCR (nucleic acid test). Maternal IgG antibodies persist up to 18 months, so antibody tests cannot be used for diagnosis in early infancy.

Why is "ELISA for HIV antibody" not the answer?

ELISA reflects maternal antibodies.

Why is "Western blot" not the answer?

Western blot also detects maternal antibody.

Why is "CD4 count" not the answer?

CD4 count is for staging, not diagnosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: paediatric HIV diagnosis in Pediatrics. Virological tests such as DNA PCR are performed at 6 weeks and repeated if needed. Antibody testing is reliable after 18 months.

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: paediatric HIV diagnosis?

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.