Repeated USMLE Questions Step 1- 182

A 31 year-old pregnant woman presents to her physician on her second trimester for a prenatal checkup. She works at a big farm. She has no concerns except for some mild swellings on her neck. On physical examination, her vital signs are within normal limits. She has mild cervical lymphadenopathy. She is prescribed an oral antibiotic but she is noncompliant. Her child is delivered with hydrocephalus and intracranial calcifications.

Which organism is the most likely responsible?

A- Toxoplasma gondii

B- Treponema pallidum

C- Trypanosoma cruzi

D- Togavirus

E- Herpes simplex virus

Answer







Toxoplasma gondii is the most likely responsible for this condition. Her age, occupation, physical examination and typical signs of hydrocephalus and intracranial calcifications in the fetus are the clues to answer this question.

The correct answer is A