Meningitis Encephalitis is part of the Nervous System section of Medicine. Practise 18 exam-style MCQs for NEET PG, FMGE, INI-CET and NEET SS, each with the correct answer and a detailed explanation.
Meningitis Encephalitis MCQs pair fever, neck stiffness and confusion heading toward lumbar puncture with herpes simplex encephalitis and meningitis in a dormitory resident, a combination NEET PG setters favour for high-yield infectious neurology.
Sample Meningitis Encephalitis MCQs with answers
Sample MCQ #1
An 18-year-old college student living in a dormitory contracts meningitis, which causes a centrally mediated increase in his respiratory rate. The basic respiratory rhythm is generated in which of the following regions of the brain?
ACerebral cortex
BHypothalamus
CReticular activating system
DMedulla
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: D. Medulla
The main components of the respiratory control pattern generator for the automatic control of breathing are located in the medulla. The basic respiratory rhythm is initiated by a small group of synaptically coupled pacemaker cells in the pre-Botzinger complex on either side of the medulla between the nucleus ambiguus and the lateral reticular nucleus. This basic rhythm can be modified by many factors, including higher centers in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus and input from the reticular activating system and pontine respiratory centers, including the pneumotaxic center in the nucleus parabrachialis. Reference: Ganong, pp 192-193, 671-673. Levitzky, pp 188-194, 200.
Sample MCQ #2
Non hemolytic enterococcus causes
AUTI
BPharyngitis
CNeonatal sepsis
DMeningitis
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: A. UTI
Enterococci are well-known causes of nosocomial UTI-the most common infection caused by these organisms. Reference : Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21 st Ed, Ch: 149 Pg: 1199
Sample MCQ #3
Which is true of herpes simplex encephalitis?
ABrain MRI is characteristically normal
BFits are uncommon
CGenital herpes is usually present
DTemporal lobe involvement is common
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: D. Temporal lobe involvement is common
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is associated with high signal in one or both temporal lobes (limbic encephalitis). Seizures are commonly present in HSE. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the causative virus (not type 2 which is associated with genital herpes). PCR for herpes simplex virus on cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is a highly specific test. Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 21 st Ed, Ch:137 Pg: 1095-1097
Sample MCQ #4
Which of the following is correct regarding herpes simplex encephalitis?
AIs associated with a polymorphonuclear pleocytosis in the CSF
BProduces a diffuse, evenly distributed inflammation of cerebral tissues
CProduces a typical EEG pattern with lateralized periodic discharges at 2 Hz
DShould be treated with acyclovir as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed by urgent CSF viral antibody titres
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: C. Produces a typical EEG pattern with lateralized periodic discharges at 2 Hz
This EEG pattern is seen but is not diagnostic. Peak incidence occurs in winter A lymphocytosis is characteristic in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Temporal lobe location is typical Immediate treatment is required on clinical suspicion. Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21 st Ed, Ch:137 Pg: 1095-1097
Sample MCQ #5
A 44 year old patient has been having fevers, neck stiffness and confusion. There was a past medical history of HIV infection and diabetes. A CT scan was normal and lumbar puncture was performed. The opening pressure during LP was normal, and there were elevated CSF lymphocytes (88), and elevated CSF protein (5.5 g/l), and a low glucose. Gram staining and India ink preparation revealed 4-7 micron, round budding yeasts with capsule and 8-10 lymphocytes per high power field. What is the diagnosis?
AMumps meningitis
BMycobacterium tuberculosis
CCryptococcal meningitis
DCarcinomatous meningitis
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: C. Cryptococcal meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is often seen in immunosuppressed patients. The organism is Cryptococcus Neoformans . Meningitis manifests with diffuse, nonfocal findings (eg, altered mental status, vomiting). A CT scan or MRI in patients with cryptococcal infection may reveal diffuse atrophy or cerebral edema with focal, homogenous, or contrast-enhanced areas. An India ink preparation is commonly used with CSF to identify the organism and to support a presumptive diagnosis. If performed correctly, 25-50% of patients with cryptococcal meningitis show Cryptococci. In patients with AIDS, amphotericin B is given for 2 weeks, with or without 2 weeks of flucytosine, followed by fluconazole at 400 mg/d for a minimum of 10 weeks. Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 21 st ed, Ch: 202, Pg: 1576
What you can practise in Meningitis Encephalitis
18 Meningitis Encephalitis MCQs on Nervous System — each with detailed explanations
Previous-year question practice across NEET PG, FMGE, INI-CET and NEET SS
Progress and performance tracking to measure retention
Meningitis Encephalitis MCQs pair fever, neck stiffness and confusion heading toward lumbar puncture with herpes simplex encephalitis and meningitis in a dormitory resident, a combination NEET PG setters favour for high-yield infectious neurology.
How many Meningitis Encephalitis questions are there, and which exams do they cover?
MedLadder includes 18 curated MCQs for Meningitis Encephalitis under Medicine (Nervous System), covering NEET PG, FMGE, INI-CET and NEET SS preparation.
