Infections: congenital CMV: 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: congenital CMV

Sample item

A newborn has microcephaly, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, petechiae and periventricular calcifications on cranial ultrasound. Which is the most likely infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cytomegalovirus

Congenital CMV is the most common congenital infection and typically shows periventricular calcifications, microcephaly, sensorineural hearing loss and chorioretinitis. Toxoplasmosis shows diffuse calcifications. Treatment with valganciclovir is used in symptomatic cases.

Option by option

  • A. Rubella

    Rubella shows cataract and PDA.

  • B. Syphilis

    Syphilis shows bone changes and snuffles.

  • C. Toxoplasma gondii

    Toxoplasma shows scattered calcification and hydrocephalus.

  • D. Cytomegalovirus (correct)

    Correct. Periventricular calcification is typical of CMV.

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 D, Cytomegalovirus. Congenital CMV is the most common congenital infection and typically shows periventricular calcifications, microcephaly, sensorineural hearing loss and chorioretinitis.

Why is "Rubella" not the answer?

Rubella shows cataract and PDA.

Why is "Syphilis" not the answer?

Syphilis shows bone changes and snuffles.

Why is "Toxoplasma gondii" not the answer?

Toxoplasma shows scattered calcification and hydrocephalus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: congenital CMV in Pediatrics. Toxoplasmosis shows diffuse calcifications. Treatment with valganciclovir is used in symptomatic cases.

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: congenital CMV?

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.