Mycology: 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 · Mycology

Sample item

A young adult has hypopigmented scaly patches on the trunk. KOH mount shows short curved hyphae with clusters of round yeasts. What is the causative organism?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Malassezia furfur

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by the lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur. Microscopy shows the spaghetti and meatballs appearance of short hyphae and round yeasts, and lesions fluoresce under Wood's lamp.

Option by option

  • A. Candida albicans

    Candida shows budding yeasts with pseudohyphae and causes erythematous moist lesions.

  • B. Trichophyton rubrum

    Trichophyton shows only branching septate hyphae without budding yeast cells.

  • C. Malassezia furfur (correct)

    The mixture of short hyphae and round yeast cells is typical of this organism.

  • D. Sporothrix schenckii

    Sporothrix causes subcutaneous nodules along lymphatics with cigar-shaped yeasts.

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 C, Malassezia furfur. Pityriasis versicolor is caused by the lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur.

Why is "Candida albicans" not the answer?

Candida shows budding yeasts with pseudohyphae and causes erythematous moist lesions.

Why is "Trichophyton rubrum" not the answer?

Trichophyton shows only branching septate hyphae without budding yeast cells.

Why is "Sporothrix schenckii" not the answer?

Sporothrix causes subcutaneous nodules along lymphatics with cigar-shaped yeasts.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mycology in Microbiology. Microscopy shows the spaghetti and meatballs appearance of short hyphae and round yeasts, and lesions fluoresce under Wood's lamp.

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 Mycology?

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.