Infectious Diseases — MCQs

Infectious Diseases Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 531: A 7-year-old boy presents with fever, sore throat, and painful swelling of the parotid glands. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Tonsillitis
B. Mumps (Correct Answer)
C. Epiglottitis
D. Lymphadenitis

Explanation: ***Correct Answer: Mumps*** - **Fever**, **sore throat**, and **painful swelling of the parotid glands** are classic symptoms of mumps, a viral infection caused by the mumps virus (paramyxovirus). - Mumps primarily targets the **salivary glands**, especially the parotid glands, leading to characteristic bilateral facial swelling. - The combination of constitutional symptoms with parotid involvement is pathognomonic for mumps. *Incorrect: Tonsillitis* - Characterized by **inflamed and swollen tonsils**, often with exudate, leading to severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing. - **Parotid gland swelling** is not a typical feature of tonsillitis. - Lymph node enlargement may occur but differs from parotid enlargement. *Incorrect: Epiglottitis* - A serious bacterial infection causing inflammation and swelling of the **epiglottis**, which can rapidly obstruct the airway. - Symptoms include **stridor**, **drooling**, **tripod positioning**, and **difficulty breathing**, not parotid swelling. - This is a medical emergency requiring immediate airway management. *Incorrect: Lymphadenitis* - Refers to inflammation of the **lymph nodes**, which can cause localized swelling and tenderness. - While cervical lymph nodes might be swollen with a sore throat, this presents as distinct nodular swelling along lymph node chains. - Does not involve the specific, bilateral swelling of the **parotid glands** as seen with mumps.

Question 532: Treatment of choice for scabies in an infant < 6 months is?

A. Permethrin (Correct Answer)
B. Crotamiton
C. Sulfur ointment
D. Ivermectin

Explanation: ***Permethrin*** - **Permethrin 5% cream** is the **first-line treatment** for scabies in infants and children, including those **aged 2 months and older**. - It is highly effective (95-97% cure rate), safe, and well-tolerated with minimal systemic absorption. - For infants **< 2 months**, permethrin can be used off-label with caution, though some guidelines prefer sulfur ointment in this very young age group. - Applied from neck down (including scalp in infants), left for 8-14 hours, then washed off; single application is usually sufficient. - **Recommended by CDC, AAP, and IAP** as the preferred scabicide for infants and children. *Sulfur ointment* - **5-10% sulfur ointment** is a safe and effective alternative, especially for infants **< 2 months** where permethrin data is limited. - It is the oldest scabicide with an excellent safety profile and no systemic toxicity. - Disadvantages include unpleasant odor, skin irritation, staining of clothes, and need for application on 3 consecutive nights. - Often considered when permethrin is unavailable or contraindicated. *Crotamiton* - **Crotamiton 10% cream/lotion** has limited efficacy (50-70% cure rate) compared to permethrin. - It is considered a **second or third-line agent** due to variable effectiveness. - Requires application for 2-5 consecutive days, which affects compliance. - Not recommended as first-line treatment in current guidelines. *Ivermectin* - **Oral ivermectin** is contraindicated in infants < 15 kg or < 5 years of age due to lack of safety data. - It does not cross the blood-brain barrier well in very young children, raising theoretical safety concerns. - Reserved for crusted scabies or treatment failures in older children and adults.

Question 533: Which of the following is a criterion for clinical Stage II of AIDS in children?

A. Oesophageal candidiasis
B. Lymphadenopathy
C. Oral candidiasis
D. Hepatosplenomegaly (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Hepatosplenomegaly*** - **Unexplained persistent hepatosplenomegaly** is a defining criterion for WHO clinical **Stage II** of pediatric HIV/AIDS - This stage reflects moderate immune deterioration with clinical manifestations beyond the asymptomatic or mild Stage I findings - Other Stage II criteria include herpes zoster, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, and fungal nail infections *Oesophageal candidiasis* - **Oesophageal candidiasis** is a severe opportunistic infection classified under **Stage IV** (severe HIV disease) - This indicates advanced immunosuppression with severe AIDS-defining conditions - Stage IV includes other severe infections like cryptococcal meningitis, toxoplasmosis of the brain, and extrapulmonary tuberculosis *Oral candidiasis* - **Oral candidiasis** (persistent or recurrent beyond 2 months of age) is classified under **Stage II** when it meets specific WHO criteria - However, in this context, **hepatosplenomegaly** is the more definitive and commonly emphasized Stage II criterion being tested - Oral thrush in young infants (<2 months) may be physiological and doesn't indicate HIV staging *Lymphadenopathy* - **Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL)** is a characteristic finding in **Stage I** (asymptomatic or mild HIV disease) - PGL alone represents minimal immune dysfunction and is one of the earliest clinical manifestations - Stage II requires more specific symptoms indicating moderate immunosuppression beyond lymphadenopathy alone

Question 534: Which of the following statements about epididymo-orchitis of mumps is incorrect?

A. Testicular enlargement usually resolves in 1 week
B. It is the most common manifestation of mumps infection (Correct Answer)
C. Complete sterility is a rare outcome in these patients.
D. Bilateral testicular involvement is seen in 10-30% of cases.

Explanation: ***It is the most common manifestation of mumps infection*** - This statement is **INCORRECT**. The most common manifestation of mumps infection is **parotitis** (inflammation of the parotid glands), not epididymo-orchitis. - About **one-third of mumps infections are asymptomatic**, and **orchitis** occurs in only 20-30% of post-pubertal males with mumps. - Epididymo-orchitis is a significant complication but not the predominant presentation. *Testicular enlargement usually resolves in 1 week* - This statement is correct. The **swelling and tenderness** of mumps orchitis typically resolve within **3-7 days** (approximately 1 week). - The acute phase of inflammation and pain generally subsides within this timeframe, though complete resolution may take longer. *Complete sterility is a rare outcome in these patients.* - This statement is correct. While mumps orchitis can cause **testicular atrophy** and **impaired spermatogenesis**, **complete sterility is rare**. - Even with bilateral involvement, some degree of fertility is usually preserved as not all seminiferous tubules are damaged. *Bilateral testicular involvement is seen in 10-30% of cases.* - This statement is correct. Mumps orchitis is predominantly **unilateral**, with **bilateral involvement** occurring in approximately **10-30%** of affected individuals. - Most cases involve only one testis, reducing the risk of severe fertility impairment.

Question 535: Antibiotic of choice for severe pneumonia in a 1-year-old child?

A. Cotrimoxazole
B. Ciprofloxacin
C. Benzyl penicillin (Correct Answer)
D. Tetracycline

Explanation: ***Benzyl penicillin*** - **Benzyl penicillin (Penicillin G)** is the first-line antibiotic for severe pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 5 years as per **IMNCI (Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness) guidelines** followed in India. - It is highly effective against the most common bacterial causes of severe pneumonia in this age group: *Streptococcus pneumoniae* and *Haemophilus influenzae* type b. - Administered parenterally (IV/IM), it provides excellent coverage for severe cases requiring hospitalization, with a well-established safety profile in young children. - **WHO guidelines** also support its use as part of empiric therapy for severe pneumonia in resource-limited settings. *Cotrimoxazole* - **Cotrimoxazole** (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) is not the first-line antibiotic for severe bacterial pneumonia in young children due to increasing resistance patterns of *S. pneumoniae* and *H. influenzae*. - It has specific indications such as *Pneumocystis jirovecii* pneumonia (in HIV-exposed/infected infants) and prophylaxis, but is not recommended for initial empiric therapy of severe community-acquired pneumonia. - May be used for non-severe pneumonia in some protocols, but benzyl penicillin is preferred for severe cases. *Ciprofloxacin* - **Ciprofloxacin**, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is generally **avoided in children under 18 years** due to potential adverse effects on developing cartilage and musculoskeletal system. - Reserved only for specific situations: multidrug-resistant organisms, cystic fibrosis exacerbations, complicated urinary tract infections, or anthrax exposure. - Not appropriate for routine treatment of severe pneumonia in a 1-year-old child. *Tetracycline* - **Tetracyclines are contraindicated in children under 8 years of age** due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-brown staining) and enamel hypoplasia. - While effective against atypical pathogens like *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, they are inappropriate and unsafe for use in a 1-year-old child with severe pneumonia.

Question 536: At what age should the rotavirus vaccine not be initiated to prevent complications?

A. 14 weeks
B. 6 weeks
C. 10 weeks
D. 15 weeks (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***15 weeks*** - The first dose of the **rotavirus vaccine** should be administered **before 15 weeks of age** (specifically, no later than 14 weeks and 6 days). - Initiating the vaccine **at or after 15 weeks of age** is **not recommended** due to an increased risk of **intussusception**, a serious complication involving telescoping of the intestine. - The risk of intussusception increases with age, particularly when the first dose is given after the recommended window. *14 weeks* - This age is **within the acceptable window** for initiating the rotavirus vaccine series. - The first dose can be given up to **14 weeks and 6 days of age**, so 14 weeks is still appropriate for vaccine initiation. *6 weeks* - This is the **earliest recommended age** for the first dose of the rotavirus vaccine. - The vaccine is typically given at **6, 10, and 14 weeks** (or 2, 4, and 6 months) depending on the national immunization schedule and vaccine brand. *10 weeks* - This age is well within the **recommended window** for rotavirus vaccine administration. - This is often the timing for the second dose in many vaccination schedules, but the first dose can also be safely given at this age.

Question 537: An infant has fever, one episode of febrile convulsions, and is admitted for observation. The fever then subsided and was followed by a rash on the abdomen and chest, which is maculopapular and erythematous. What is the cause?

A. Roseola infantum (Sixth disease) (Correct Answer)
B. Measles (Rubeola)
C. Typhoid fever (Salmonella Typhi infection)
D. Dengue fever (DENV infection)

Explanation: ***Roseola infantum (Sixth disease)*** - Characterized by **high fever** (often a trigger for **febrile seizures**) followed by an **erythematous, maculopapular rash** that appears as the fever subsides. - This clinical presentation is highly suggestive of **Roseola infantum**, caused by **Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)** or sometimes **HHV-7**, primarily affecting infants and young children. *Measles (Rubeola)* - Measles rash typically presents as a **maculopapular rash** that starts on the **face** and spreads downwards, appearing **during the fever**'s peak, not after it subsides. - Classic symptoms also include **Koplik spots** (small white spots inside the mouth) and the **three Cs: cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis**, which are not mentioned. *Typhoid fever (Salmonella Typhi infection)* - Typhoid fever is characterized by a **prolonged high fever**, **bradycardia**, and typically a **rose spot rash** (small, faint, salmon-colored macules) primarily on the trunk, appearing later in the illness. - Febrile convulsions are less common, and the timing and nature of the rash do not match the description provided. *Dengue fever (DENV infection)* - Dengue fever presents with **high fever**, severe headache, retro-orbital pain, muscle and joint pains (breakbone fever), and often a **maculopapular or petechial rash** that can appear around the time the fever starts to drop, but usually accompanies other severe symptoms. - While a rash can occur, the distinct pattern of fever followed by a rash as the fever resolves, with febrile convulsions without other characteristic dengue symptoms, makes it less likely.

Question 538: Which of the following statements about rashes in children is incorrect?

A. Typhoid - typically appears on day 5
B. Varicella - typically appears on day 1 (Correct Answer)
C. Typhus - typically appears on day 5
D. Measles - typically appears on day 4

Explanation: ***Varicella - typically appears on day 1*** - This statement is incorrect because the typical rash of **varicella** (**chickenpox**) usually appears on **day 2 or 3** of the illness, following a prodrome of fever and malaise. - The rash begins as macules, quickly progressing to papules, vesicles, and then crusts, often in a **centrifugal distribution**. *Typhus - typically appears on day 5* - This statement is correct. The rash of **epidemic typhus** (caused by *Rickettsia prowazekii*) typically appears around **day 5 or 6** following the onset of fever. - It usually starts on the trunk and spreads peripherally, often sparing the face, palms, and soles. *Typhoid - typically appears on day 5* - This statement is correct. The classic "rose spots" rash of **typhoid fever** (caused by *Salmonella Typhi*) typically appears around **day 5 to 7** of the illness. - These are faint, salmon-colored, blanching maculopapular lesions, usually found on the trunk and chest. *Measles - typically appears on day 4* - This statement is correct. The characteristic **maculopapular rash of measles** (rubeola) typically appears around **day 3 or 4** after the onset of the prodromal symptoms (fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis). - The rash starts on the face and behind the ears, then spreads cephalocaudally over the body.

Question 539: What is the appropriate management for a child who has been bitten by a cat?

A. Administer prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection
B. Rabies vaccination may be necessary
C. All of the options are true (Correct Answer)
D. Thoroughly clean the wound

Explanation: ***All of the options are true*** - Comprehensive management of a cat bite requires **multiple interventions** addressing infection prevention, rabies prophylaxis, and immediate wound care. - Cat bites have a high infection rate (30-50%) due to deep puncture wounds from sharp teeth that inoculate bacteria like *Pasteurella multocida*, *Streptococcus*, and *Staphylococcus* deep into tissues. *Administer prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection* - **Prophylactic antibiotics** are recommended for cat bites due to the high risk of infection (particularly *Pasteurella multocida*). - First-line therapy is typically **amoxicillin-clavulanate** (Augmentin), which covers the most common pathogens. - Deep puncture wounds, bites to hands/feet, immunocompromised patients, and delayed presentation warrant antibiotic prophylaxis. *Rabies vaccination may be necessary* - **Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)** is crucial if the cat is unvaccinated, a stray, or its vaccination status is unknown. - Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making prophylaxis essential in high-risk situations. - The decision depends on local rabies prevalence and assessment of the animal's behavior and health status. *Thoroughly clean the wound* - **Immediate and copious irrigation** with soap and water or saline is the most important initial step in management. - This reduces bacterial load significantly and decreases infection risk. - Most cat bite wounds should be left open (not sutured) due to high infection risk, unless on the face for cosmetic reasons.

Question 540: Which of the following is the most characteristic feature of the rash distribution in chickenpox?

A. Superficial and not deep-seated
B. More concentrated on the trunk than limbs (Correct Answer)
C. Affects palms and soles
D. Evolves rapidly with new spots appearing in waves over days.

Explanation: ***More concentrated on the trunk than limbs*** - The rash of chickenpox (varicella) has a **pathognomonic centripetal distribution**, meaning it is most dense on the **trunk, face, and scalp**, with fewer lesions on the extremities. - This characteristic distribution pattern is the **most distinguishing feature** of chickenpox and helps differentiate it from other vesicular exanthems. - References: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, Ghai Essential Pediatrics *Superficial and not deep-seated* - While chickenpox lesions are indeed **superficial vesicles** affecting the epidermis, this characteristic is less specific. - Many other viral exanthems also produce superficial lesions, making this a less distinguishing feature. *Affects palms and soles* - **Incorrect.** Chickenpox lesions characteristically **spare the palms and soles**. - Involvement of palms and soles suggests hand, foot, and mouth disease, secondary syphilis, or other conditions. *Evolves rapidly with new spots appearing in waves over days* - While true that chickenpox lesions appear in **crops over 3-5 days** creating the "**dewdrops on a rose petal**" appearance with lesions in various stages, this describes the **temporal evolution** rather than the **spatial distribution pattern**. - The question specifically asks about the most characteristic feature, and centripetal distribution is more pathognomonic than the cropping pattern.

Practice by Chapter

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Respiratory Tract Infections

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Parasitic Infections

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Opportunistic Infections

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