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Question 1
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A 30-year-old male presented with a history of bloody and mucoid diarrhoea since that morning. He is also complaining of abdominal spasm and bloating. Which of the following investigations is the most suitable one in this case?
Your Answer: Stool culture and sensitivity
Explanation:In a case of sudden bloody and mucoid diarrhoea, stool culture and sensitivity are required to access which organism is causing the problem and to discuss appropriate antibiotics.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 2
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A 31-year-old homosexual male is complaining of recent weight loss and blurred vision. A fundoscope was performed showing retinal haemorrhage. What is the single most appropriate option?
Your Answer: Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Explanation:CMV is the best answer . Weight loss is mostly caused by HIV, which commonly presents with retinal haemorrhage and retinopathy when associated with CMV.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 3
Incorrect
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A 11 year old girl with a history of recurrent chest infections, was admitted with a fever, productive cough, anorexia and weight loss. On examination she was febrile and tachycardic. Her mother said that the girl was not thriving well. Which of the following organisms is responsible for this presentation?
Your Answer: Pneumococcal pneumonia
Correct Answer: Pseudomonas
Explanation:History of recurrent infections and failure to thrive (probably due to pancreatic enzyme insufficiency) is highly suggestive of cystic fibrosis. Pseudomonas has been identified as an important respiratory pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 4
Correct
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A urine culture of a 50-year-old patient with urosepsis has isolated a multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli. What is the most likely reason for the multi-drug resistance?
Your Answer: Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production
Explanation:Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) are enzymes that confer resistance to most beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, and the monobactam aztreonam. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production is the main reason for multi-drug resistance among E.coli. Commonly used medications to treat ESBL-involved infections include carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem, and doripenem), cephamycins (cefoxitin and cefotetan), Fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, beta-lactamase inhibitors (clavulanic acid, tazobactam, or sulbactam), non-beta-lactamases and colistin (if all other medications have failed.)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 5
Correct
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Which of the following diseases correctly matches the incubation period?
Your Answer: Mumps - 14-18 days
Explanation:The incubation periods of disorders is extremely important to diagnose, treat, prevent or attenuate a disease.
Chickenpox: 7-21 days.
Whooping cough: 10-14 days.
Hand, foot and mouth disease: 2-6 days. German measles: 14-21 days.
Mumps: 14-18 days. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 6
Incorrect
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Which of the following procedures does not require antibiotic prophylaxis?
Your Answer: Cholecystectomy
Correct Answer:
Explanation:According to latest NICE guidelines, patients with isolated atrial septal defects do not require prophylactic antibiotics originally used in prevention of infective endocarditis in dental procedures.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 7
Correct
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A 38-year-old woman returns from a summer holiday with a dry cough. Her CXR shows bilateral consolidated areas. Which antibiotic would you suggest?
Your Answer: Ciprofloxacin
Explanation:Ciprofloxacin is a well-established broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic that penetrates well into the lung tissues.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 8
Incorrect
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A 4-year-old boy admitted with fever for 2 days had a left sided focal fits, which persisted for 4 minutes. There was no history of head injury. On examination, he was drowsy but there were no focal neurological signs. Urine dipstick was negative. What is the investigation of choice that can be done at this stage to arrive at a diagnosis?
Your Answer: Blood for C&S
Correct Answer: CSF analysis
Explanation:This presentation could be due to either a meningitis or encephalitis, which are clinically not distinguishable from the given history. Encephalitis is mostly viral and in UK herpes simplex virus is the main cause. Advanced neuro imaging and EEG will help to differentiate them however from the given answers CSF analysis is the most appropriate, provided that intracranial pressure is not raised. CSF analysis will help to differentiate a pyogenic meningitis from other forms of meningitis and encephalitis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 9
Correct
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Regarding Giardia Lamblia which one of the following statements is true?
Your Answer: May cause intestinal malabsorption
Explanation:Giardiasis also known as travellers diarrhoea is caused by Giardia lamblia, which is an anaerobic parasite affecting the small intestine. It can lead to diarrhoea, flatulence, abdominal cramps, malodourous greasy stools and intestinal malabsorption. It can also cause bloody diarrhoea. The investigation of choice is stool examination for trophozoites and cysts. It is treated by metronidazole and tinidazole as first line therapies.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 10
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A 25 year old female presented with multiple small genital ulcers, which are painful following a sexual intercourse with an unknown man. Which of the following can be used topically for this presentation?
Your Answer: Acyclovir
Explanation:The most probable diagnosis is Herpes Simplex infection. Topical Acyclovir can be used in early stages.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 11
Correct
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There are number of diseases that have to be notified to the consultant responsible for communicable disease control. Which of the following conditions does not belong to above category?
Your Answer: Pneumococcal pneumonia
Explanation:There are number of diseases that have to be notified to relevant authorities to prevent or reduce their spread. Those conditions include Cholera, Diphtheria, Food poisoning, Infectious bloody diarrhoea, Malaria, Measles, Meningococcal septicaemia, Mumps, Plague, Rabies and Rubella.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 12
Correct
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An 8-week-old baby was found to have bilateral cataracts. Further investigation revealed thrombocytopenia, a patent ductus arteriosus and hepatosplenomegaly. Which of the following is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Rubella
Explanation:The clinical presentation is suggestive of congenital rubella syndrome. The classic triad of presenting symptoms includes sensorineural hearing loss, ocular abnormalities (cataract, infantile glaucoma, and pigmentary retinopathy) and congenital heart disease (patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary artery stenosis). Other findings in congenital rubella syndrome include CNS abnormalities (mental retardation, behavioural disorders, encephalographic abnormalities, hypotonia, meningoencephalitis, and microcephaly), hepatosplenomegaly, and jaundice.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 13
Correct
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A 19-year-old male presented with a fever and fatigue. On examination, he had multiple lesions on his back and abdomen in various forms. Which of the following is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: Varicella zoster
Explanation:Patients with varicella zoster infection present with general fatigue and fever along with multiple lesions which do not appear to be identical.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Her parents with a severe headache present a 24-year-old woman. She is afraid of light and sun and prefers darker environments. On examination, a generalized rash that does not blanch on pressure is noticed. What is the best action in this case?
Your Answer: Isolate patient
Correct Answer: IV benzylpenicillin
Explanation:The rash is a characteristic sign of meningitis. Added to photophobia, headache and neck rigidity, meningitis is highly suggested diagnosis. IV antibiotics should be started immediately.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 15
Incorrect
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A new-born male is admitted to NICU with convulsions, limb hypoplasia and rudimentary digits. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
Your Answer: Toxoplasmosis
Correct Answer: Varicella
Explanation:Infection of chickenpox in the first half of pregnancy can result in congenital varicella syndrome. It presents as cerebral, cortical and cerebellar hypoplasia with convulsions and rudimentary digits. Prevention is by administering varicella vaccine, even before pregnancy. Varicella immunoglobulin is administered to pregnant women who are exposed to infection. Infection during pregnancy is treated with acyclovir.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 16
Correct
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A 14-day-old baby presented in NICU with the signs and symptoms of hydrocephaly, seizures and chorioretinitis. Which of the following infectious agents is most probably the cause in a case like this?
Your Answer: Toxoplasmosis
Explanation:Maternal and fetal toxoplasma infection may be avoided by advising pregnant women to wear gloves when gardening or handling cat litter and to cook meat thoroughly. Affected babies are treated with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and folic acid.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 17
Correct
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A 25-year-old pregnant female suddenly developed a rash on her torso. It started as macules and then became vesicles. After 3 days she died. During her post-mortem, positive findings suggestive of pneumonitis were found. Which one of the following is the most common cause?
Your Answer: Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
Explanation:Varicella zoster virus (VZV) presents in this way and the rash transforms from macules to vesicles. Pneumonitis is a common complication of VZV infection.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 18
Correct
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A 16-year-old male fell whilst playing football and was injured by a sharp wooden splinter sustaining a cut to his left shin. His immunisation history is up to date. In relation to tetanus prevention, select the most suitable management step.
Your Answer: No action is required
Explanation:According to the US immunisation schedule, the child is immunised. So this boy does not need any extra immunisation for tetanus now.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 19
Correct
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An 80-year-old female presents to OPD with itching hands, elbows, axillae and groin. Other members residing with her at the retirement home also have similar complaints. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Your Answer: Scabies
Explanation:Scabies is due to an infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei and most commonly presents with these symptoms. The organism resides in burrows in a pattern specifically affecting the interdigital spaces and the skin folds of the arms and legs. The infection spreads from one person to another, especially in populated communities, through close contact.
Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a type of vascular inflammation.
Psoriasis rash is characterised by scaly plaques affecting the extensor surfaces of the body. Pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid both are bullous disorders of the skin. They may present as crusted, weeping, diffuse lesions and there may be involvement in other sites; erosions in the mouth are typically involved in pemphigus vulgaris. Bullous pemphigoid involves the flexural areas and may be associated with a new medication. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 20
Correct
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A man was admitted to the hospital and developed varicella zoster after 48h. Which of the following categories of people should be administered immunoglobulin only?
Your Answer: All pregnant women who are tested negative for antibodies.
Explanation:Immunoglobulin should be given to all seronegative women within 4 days. However, it is strongly advised to seek medical care immediately if the disease develops.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 21
Correct
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A 10-month-old boy is brought to clinic. His parents are concerned because two days ago, he met another child with mumps. Which is the most appropriate strategy for this child?
Your Answer: Do nothing now but give MMR at the appropriate age
Explanation:Immunity against mumps develops over a long time. There is nothing to be done except to proceed with the usual vaccination schedule.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 22
Correct
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What is the mode of spread of chickenpox?
Your Answer: Airborne
Explanation:Chickenpox is a highly communicable viral disease caused by human (alpha) herpesvirus 3 (varicella-zoster virus, VZV). It is transmitted from person to person by direct contact (touching the rash), droplet or air born spread (coughing and sneezing).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 23
Correct
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A 25 year old female presented with blisters on the tongue. Some of them secreted pinkish fluid while some were crusted. Which of the following is the most probable diagnosis?
Your Answer: HSV1
Explanation:The history is suggestive of acute gingivostomatitis, which is a manifestation of primary HSV-1 infection. Patients present with gingivitis and vesicular lesions which develop on the oral mucosa, tongue, and lips and later rupture and coalesce, leaving ulcerated plaques.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 24
Correct
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Regarding neonatal meningitis, which of the following statements is true?
Your Answer: Has an above average incidence in babies with a meningomyelocele
Explanation:The commonest time for bacterial meningitis is in the 1st month of life and group B Streptococcus is the commonest organism. The anterior fontanelle is full, but does not bulge with normal flexion. Neurological manifestations include seizures, irritability, poor tone, lethargy and tremors, however no findings of sensorineural deafness have been noted. One of the risk factors for introduction of meningeal infection is Meningomyelocele.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 25
Correct
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A 20-year-old boy returning from vacation in India presented with a history of fever, myalgia, headache and abdominal pain for 4 days duration. He revealed that he had bathed in a river during his vacation. On examination, he had severe muscle tenderness, hypotension (BP - 80/60mmHg) and tachycardia (140 bpm). What would be the first step in management?
Your Answer: IV normal saline
Explanation:The history is suggestive of leptospirosis. This is a zoonotic infection caused by a spirochete. As the patient is in shock, resuscitation with IV fluids is the first step in the management. IV antibiotics should be started (Doxycycline or Penicillin) as soon as possible. Other investigations mentioned are important during the management to rule out other possible diagnoses.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 26
Correct
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A 34-year-old's chest x-ray showed diffuse bilateral alveolar shadows. He also suffers from shortness of breath, weight loss and dry cough due to Kaposi's sarcoma but no fever was noted. Which is the most likely causative organism?
Your Answer: Pneumocystis jiroveci
Explanation:Pneumocystis Jiroveci. This causative organism is responsible for pneumonia in individuals that have a compromised immune system. Symptoms include cyanosis, dry cough and in some cases, diffuse bilateral alveolar shadows on CXR. Co-trimoxazole is normally the treatment for this.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 27
Correct
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A 60-year-old male who has been on IV antibiotics for severe pneumonia developed profuse, watery, green coloured diarrhoea on the fifth day of antibiotics. What is the organism responsible for this condition?
Your Answer: Clostridium difficile
Explanation:The most probable cause for diarrhoea is pseudomembranous colitis which is caused by Clostridium difficile. Pseudomembranous colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon where the antibiotic-induced change in the balance of normal gut flora allows overgrowth of C difficile. Any antibiotic can cause this but the chances are higher with ampicillin, clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, and cephalosporins.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 28
Incorrect
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A homeless woman presented with a cough and fever for the last 3 months. She also complained of night sweats and weight loss. Her CXR showed lung opacities. What is the next appropriate step for this patient?
Your Answer: Mantoux test
Correct Answer: Acid fast bacilli
Explanation:History and CXR are suggestive of tuberculosis. Acid fast bacilli should be seen on microscopy to confirm the diagnosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 29
Incorrect
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A 6-year-old boy with fever and malaise for 2 days recently developed bloody diarrhoea. What is the most probable aetiology?
Your Answer: Giardiasis
Correct Answer: Escherichia coli 0157
Explanation:The most likely organism is enterohemorrhagic verotoxin-producing E.coli. It usually causes haemolytic uremic syndrome.
Crohn’s disease rarely manifests in an acute manner.
Polio and giardiasis usually manifest with non-bloody diarrhoea. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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Question 30
Incorrect
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A 45-year-old female presented with weight loss, night sweats and abdominal pain for 6 months. Abdominal ultrasound scan showed a tubo-ovarian mass. What is the most likely organism, which is responsible for this presentation?
Your Answer: Neisseria gonorrhoea
Correct Answer: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Explanation:Constitutional symptoms such as weight loss, evening pyrexia and night sweats are associated with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB). TB can affect any system of the body and should be top in the list of differentials particularly if the patient has a history of contact with a known TB patient.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
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