Mycology/Parasitology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 35-year-old man with intravenous drug use history presents with persistent fever (39.2°C), headache, and neck stiffness for 2 weeks. Vital signs: HR 102, BP 118/76, RR 18, SpO2 98% on room air. CSF analysis reveals lymphocytic pleocytosis (180 cells/μL), low glucose (28 mg/dL), and elevated protein (145 mg/dL). India ink stain is positive. No rash is noted. Which antifungal agent crosses the blood-brain barrier most effectively?
Answer choices
- AItraconazole
- BVoriconazole
- CCaspofungin
- DAmphotericin B deoxycholate
- EFluconazoleCorrect answer
- FTerbinafine
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