Mycology/Parasitology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 32-year-old woman with HIV/AIDS and CD4 count of 28 cells/μL presents with fever (39.2°C), headache, and neck stiffness for 1 week. Vital signs show BP 110/68 mmHg, HR 98/min, RR 18/min, and SpO2 98% on room air. CSF analysis reveals opening pressure of 32 cm H₂O, glucose 35 mg/dL, protein 85 mg/dL, and India ink preparation demonstrates encapsulated yeast. Blood cultures remain negative. Patient denies recent medication changes. Which organism is most likely responsible?
Answer choices
- ACoccidioides immitis
- BCandida albicans
- CCryptococcus neoformansCorrect answer
- DHistoplasma capsulatum
- EBlastomyces dermatitidis
- FAspergillus fumigatus
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