Immunology: rabies passive immunisation: 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: rabies passive immunisation

Sample item

A man is bitten on the hand and face by a stray dog. The wounds are deep and bleeding. After thorough washing, which step gives immediate protection before his own antibodies develop?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Infiltrating rabies immunoglobulin into and around the wounds

A category III exposure needs wound washing, rabies immunoglobulin infiltrated into the wound as passive antibody, and a vaccine course. Vaccine alone takes about a week to produce antibody. Tight suturing may trap virus and is avoided.

Option by option

  • A. Giving oral antibiotics only

    Antibiotics do not treat rabies virus.

  • B. Infiltrating rabies immunoglobulin into and around the wounds (correct)

    Correct. Rabies immunoglobulin gives immediate passive neutralisation at the wound.

  • C. Giving rabies vaccine intradermally only

    Vaccine alone does not give antibody quickly enough in a severe exposure.

  • D. Suturing the wounds tightly

    Tight suturing of a bite is avoided because it may trap virus in the tissue.

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 Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is B, Infiltrating rabies immunoglobulin into and around the wounds. A category III exposure needs wound washing, rabies immunoglobulin infiltrated into the wound as passive antibody, and a vaccine course.

Why is "Giving oral antibiotics only" not the answer?

Antibiotics do not treat rabies virus.

Why is "Giving rabies vaccine intradermally only" not the answer?

Vaccine alone does not give antibody quickly enough in a severe exposure.

Why is "Suturing the wounds tightly" not the answer?

Tight suturing of a bite is avoided because it may trap virus in the tissue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Immunology: rabies passive immunisation in Microbiology. Vaccine alone takes about a week to produce antibody. Tight suturing may trap virus and is avoided.

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 Immunology: rabies passive immunisation?

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.