Varicella (Chickenpox) MCQ Quiz | Infectious Diseases

Welcome to this specialized multiple-choice quiz on Varicella (Chickenpox), designed for MBBS students. This quiz will test your understanding of the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), covering its etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and characteristic ‘dew drop on a rose petal’ rash. You will be quizzed on its centripetal distribution, common complications like secondary bacterial infections and adult pneumonia, and the dreaded Reye’s syndrome association with aspirin. The quiz also covers diagnostic methods, from clinical presentation to Tzanck smears and PCR. Crucially, it assesses knowledge of management strategies, including the role of antivirals like Acyclovir in high-risk groups and prevention through live attenuated vaccines and post-exposure prophylaxis with VZIG. After completing the quiz, you can download all questions with their correct answers in a PDF format for your revision.

1. What is the causative agent of Varicella (Chickenpox)?

2. The characteristic rash of chickenpox, a vesicle on an erythematous base, is often described as:

3. What is the typical incubation period for Varicella?

4. The distribution of the varicella rash is typically described as:

5. Where does the Varicella-Zoster Virus establish latency in the body following primary infection?

6. A key pathognomonic feature of the varicella rash is the presence of:

7. In healthy children, what is the most common complication of chickenpox?

8. Which of the following is the most common serious complication of primary varicella infection in adults?

9. The use of aspirin in children with varicella infection has been associated with an increased risk of:

10. A Tzanck smear performed on a vesicle fluid from a patient with chickenpox would likely reveal:

11. What is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic test for confirming a VZV infection?

12. A healthy 5-year-old child presents with uncomplicated chickenpox. What is the most appropriate management?

13. The varicella vaccine is an example of which type of vaccine?

14. For a non-immune, susceptible pregnant woman exposed to varicella, what is the recommended post-exposure prophylaxis?

15. Congenital Varicella Syndrome carries the highest risk if maternal infection occurs during which period of gestation?

16. Reactivation of latent VZV results in which clinical condition?

17. The rash of Herpes Zoster is characteristically:

18. A common and debilitating complication of Herpes Zoster, particularly in the elderly, is:

19. The period of infectivity for a patient with chickenpox is generally considered to be:

20. Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of Congenital Varicella Syndrome?

21. Post-exposure prophylaxis with the varicella vaccine is most effective if given within how many days of exposure in a susceptible individual?

22. Which neurological complication is most characteristically associated with varicella in children, typically presenting with ataxia?

23. Which of the following groups is LEAST likely to require treatment with acyclovir for a varicella infection?

24. What is the primary mechanism by which VZV is transmitted from person to person?

25. Neonatal varicella has the highest mortality rate when the mother develops the rash: