Immunology and serology: practice question

A Microbiology 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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Microbiology · Immunology and serology

Sample item

Which of the following is a non-treponemal test for syphilis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. VDRL

VDRL and RPR detect reagin antibodies against cardiolipin. They are useful for screening and for following treatment response, but can be falsely positive in other conditions. FTA-ABS and TPHA are specific treponemal tests.

Option by option

  • A. TPHA

    TPHA is a treponemal test.

  • B. FTA-ABS

    FTA-ABS is a treponemal test.

  • C. Treponema pallidum immobilisation test

    The immobilisation test is treponemal and now rarely used.

  • D. VDRL (correct)

    Correct.

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 Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, VDRL. VDRL and RPR detect reagin antibodies against cardiolipin.

Why is "TPHA" not the answer?

TPHA is a treponemal test.

Why is "FTA-ABS" not the answer?

FTA-ABS is a treponemal test.

Why is "Treponema pallidum immobilisation test" not the answer?

The immobilisation test is treponemal and now rarely used.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Immunology and serology in Microbiology. They are useful for screening and for following treatment response, but can be falsely positive in other conditions. FTA-ABS and TPHA are specific treponemal tests.

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 Immunology and serology?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology 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.