Bacteriology: post-splenectomy sepsis: 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: post-splenectomy sepsis

Sample item

A splenectomised adult presents with fulminant sepsis, and blood culture shows Gram-positive lancet-shaped diplococci. Which preventive measure was most likely omitted?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Pneumococcal vaccination

Asplenic patients cannot clear encapsulated bacteria and need pneumococcal, meningococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines, often with antibiotic prophylaxis. The lancet-shaped diplococcus is Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Option by option

  • A. Pneumococcal vaccination (correct)

    Correct. Pneumococcal vaccine protects against the likely organism.

  • B. BCG vaccination

    BCG protects against tuberculosis, not encapsulated cocci.

  • C. Oral typhoid vaccination

    Typhoid vaccine is not directed at this organism.

  • D. Annual tetanus toxoid

    Tetanus toxoid does not protect against pneumococci.

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 A, Pneumococcal vaccination. Asplenic patients cannot clear encapsulated bacteria and need pneumococcal, meningococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines, often with antibiotic prophylaxis.

Why is "BCG vaccination" not the answer?

BCG protects against tuberculosis, not encapsulated cocci.

Why is "Oral typhoid vaccination" not the answer?

Typhoid vaccine is not directed at this organism.

Why is "Annual tetanus toxoid" not the answer?

Tetanus toxoid does not protect against pneumococci.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bacteriology: post-splenectomy sepsis in Microbiology. The lancet-shaped diplococcus is Streptococcus pneumoniae.

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 Bacteriology: post-splenectomy sepsis?

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.