HIV/AIDS & Related Disorders MCQ Quiz | Rheumatology & Immunology

Welcome to the HIV/AIDS & Related Disorders MCQ Quiz, a specialized assessment for MBBS students focusing on Rheumatology and Immunology. This comprehensive quiz is designed to test your understanding of the core concepts surrounding HIV, from its virology and transmission pathways to its complex clinical manifestations and management strategies. You will encounter questions on opportunistic infections, AIDS-defining illnesses, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the significant rheumatological conditions associated with the disease. Each of the 25 questions challenges you to apply your knowledge critically. After submitting your answers, you’ll receive your score and see a detailed breakdown of the correct and incorrect responses. You can also download a complete PDF of all questions and their correct answers for future revision.

1. The primary cellular receptor that HIV-1 uses to gain entry into T-helper cells is:

2. Which co-receptor is predominantly used by M-tropic (macrophage-tropic) strains of HIV, which are typically responsible for initial infection?

3. A patient is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4+ T-cell count drops below what threshold, or they develop an AIDS-defining illness?

4. Which of the following is the most commonly used initial screening test for HIV infection?

5. The “window period” in HIV infection refers to the time:

6. Which of the following malignancies is considered an AIDS-defining illness and is caused by Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)?

7. Zidovudine (AZT) belongs to which class of antiretroviral drugs?

8. Which opportunistic infection, caused by a fungus, is a leading cause of pneumonia in patients with AIDS and is often treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole?

9. Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) is a condition seen in HIV patients that occurs:

10. The primary goal of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is to:

11. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV should ideally be initiated within how many hours of a potential exposure?

12. What is the most common rheumatologic manifestation reported in patients with HIV infection?

13. Which virus is responsible for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a demyelinating disease of the CNS seen in severely immunocompromised individuals?

14. HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is classically characterized by which histological finding on renal biopsy?

15. Which class of antiretroviral drugs is most commonly associated with metabolic side effects such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and lipodystrophy?

16. The HIV p24 antigen, which can be detected early in infection, is a component of the viral:

17. Which of the following is a Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)?

18. The mechanism of action of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs) like Dolutegravir is to:

19. Which of the following is an AIDS-defining illness characterized by ring-enhancing lesions on a brain CT or MRI scan?

20. Diffuse Infiltrative Lymphocytosis Syndrome (DILS) in HIV patients most closely mimics which autoimmune disease due to parotid gland enlargement and sicca symptoms?

21. Which laboratory test is the most important indicator of the immediate risk of opportunistic infections in an HIV-positive patient?

22. The most effective method for monitoring the response to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is:

23. Vertical transmission (mother-to-child) of HIV can occur during all the following periods EXCEPT:

24. The development of reactive arthritis in an HIV-positive individual is strongly associated with the presence of which human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele?

25. A significant side effect of the NRTI abacavir is a potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction, which is strongly linked to the presence of which genetic marker?