Virology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 3-year-old boy presents with sudden onset of fever, irritability, and neck stiffness. Vital signs show temperature 39.2°C, heart rate 118/min, blood pressure 102/68 mmHg, and respiratory rate 24/min. CSF analysis reveals lymphocytic pleocytosis (185 cells/μL), elevated protein (78 mg/dL), and normal glucose (52 mg/dL). Gram stain is negative. CSF viral culture and PCR are pending. Which virus most commonly causes this clinical meningitis syndrome?
Answer choices
- AMumps virus
- BPoliovirus
- CWest Nile virus
- DEnterovirus (coxsackievirus, echovirus)Correct answer
- ERabies virus
- FRotavirus
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.