Bacteriology: Treponema: 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 · Bacteriology: Treponema

Sample item

A newborn has snuffles, hepatosplenomegaly and a rash on the palms and soles. The mother was untreated for syphilis. Which later finding is part of late congenital syphilis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Hutchinson teeth

Late congenital syphilis shows Hutchinson teeth, mulberry molars, saddle nose, interstitial keratitis and eighth nerve deafness. Koplik spots are in measles, cataract with PDA in congenital rubella, and periventricular calcification in CMV.

Option by option

  • A. Hutchinson teeth (correct)

    Correct. Hutchinson teeth belong to the late congenital syphilis triad.

  • B. Cataract with patent ductus arteriosus

    Cataract with PDA indicates congenital rubella.

  • C. Periventricular calcification

    Periventricular calcification is typical for congenital CMV.

  • D. Koplik spots

    Koplik spots are in measles.

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 A, Hutchinson teeth. Late congenital syphilis shows Hutchinson teeth, mulberry molars, saddle nose, interstitial keratitis and eighth nerve deafness.

Why is "Cataract with patent ductus arteriosus" not the answer?

Cataract with PDA indicates congenital rubella.

Why is "Periventricular calcification" not the answer?

Periventricular calcification is typical for congenital CMV.

Why is "Koplik spots" not the answer?

Koplik spots are in measles.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology: Treponema in Microbiology. Koplik spots are in measles, cataract with PDA in congenital rubella, and periventricular calcification in CMV.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Bacteriology: Treponema?

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.