ABD Cutaneous Infectious Diseases 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Grouped vesicles on an erythematous base in a dermatomal distribution that does not cross the midline suggests:
- Herpes zoster (Correct answer)
- Primary herpes simplex
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Bullous pemphigoid
Correct answer: Herpes zoster
Herpes zoster represents reactivation of varicella-zoster virus, producing painful grouped vesicles confined to a single dermatome.
Question 2: A Tzanck smear showing multinucleated giant cells supports a diagnosis of:
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Herpesvirus infection (Correct answer)
- Verruca vulgaris
- Orf
Correct answer: Herpesvirus infection
Multinucleated giant cells on a Tzanck smear are seen with herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections.
Question 3: Umbilicated, dome-shaped, flesh-colored papules in a child are most consistent with:
- Molluscum contagiosum (Correct answer)
- Verruca plana
- Milia
- Herpes simplex
Correct answer: Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum, caused by a poxvirus, produces characteristic umbilicated papules containing a central keratotic core.
Question 4: Which human papillomavirus types are most strongly associated with condyloma acuminatum (genital warts)?
- HPV 16 and 18
- HPV 6 and 11 (Correct answer)
- HPV 1 and 2
- HPV 5 and 8
Correct answer: HPV 6 and 11
HPV types 6 and 11 cause the majority of genital warts and are considered low oncogenic risk.
Question 5: A patient presents with painful vesicular lesions on the finger following contact with oral secretions. This is termed:
- Herpetic whitlow (Correct answer)
- Paronychia
- Orf
- Erysipeloid
Correct answer: Herpetic whitlow
Herpetic whitlow is an HSV infection of the finger, common in healthcare workers and children who suck their fingers.
Question 6: Which antiviral is first-line for acute herpes zoster to reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia?
- Acyclovir or valacyclovir (Correct answer)
- Amphotericin B
- Griseofulvin
- Permethrin
Correct answer: Acyclovir or valacyclovir
Early treatment with acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir shortens the course and reduces postherpetic neuralgia risk.
Question 7: Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is most commonly caused by which virus?
- Coxsackievirus A16 (Correct answer)
- Parvovirus B19
- Measles virus
- Epstein-Barr virus
Correct answer: Coxsackievirus A16
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is typically caused by coxsackievirus A16 (an enterovirus), producing oral ulcers and acral vesicles.
ABD Cutaneous Infectious Diseases 3
Grouped vesicles on an erythematous base in a dermatomal distribution that does not cross the midline suggests: