Mycology/Parasitology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 32-year-old woman with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c 11.2%) presents with facial edema, proptosis, and black necrotic tissue on her hard palate. Vital signs show BP 138/82, HR 104, RR 18, Temp 38.2°C, SpO2 98% on room air. She reports recent rhinosinusitis but denies trauma or fever. Examination reveals no cranial nerve palsies. Palatal biopsy demonstrates broad, nonseptate hyphae with angioinvasion. Which organism is most likely responsible?
Answer choices
- ACandida albicans
- BAspergillus fumigatus
- CCoccidioides immitis
- DRhizopus speciesCorrect answer
- ECryptococcus neoformans
- FMucor species
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