Mycology/Parasitology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 52-year-old construction worker from Brazil with no immunosuppression presents with progressive nodules on the lips, gums, and tongue featuring central suppuration and satellite lesions. Vital signs: BP 128/82, HR 88, RR 16, Temp 37.2°C, SpO2 98%. Sputum culture demonstrates yeast with characteristic "pilot wheel" or "mariner's wheel" appearance. Chest radiograph shows no pulmonary infiltrates. He denies fever or weight loss. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer choices
- ABlastomycosis
- BCoccidioidomycosis
- CCandidiasis
- DParacoccidioidomycosisCorrect answer
- EHistoplasmosis
- FCryptococcosis
See the full explanation
Get the correct-answer rationale, why each distractor is wrong, the underlying mechanism, and high-yield associations — plus adaptive practice that targets your weak areas — with a free MedBoardPRO account.