Fungal and Parasitic Infections USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 28-year-old woman with HIV/AIDS (CD4 <50 cells/μL) presents with severe headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Vital signs show temperature 39.2°C, blood pressure 98/62 mmHg, and heart rate 110 bpm. CSF analysis reveals elevated protein (400 mg/dL), low glucose (20 mg/dL), and positive India ink stain. No focal neurological deficits are noted. Which of the following organisms is most likely responsible for her meningitis?
Answer choices
- ACryptococcus neoformansCorrect answer
- BHistoplasma capsulatum
- CCandida albicans
- DCoccidioides immitis
- EAspergillus fumigatus
- FToxoplasma gondii
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