Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a known skin condition or infection?

1. Acne

2. Chondrodermatitis

3. Leprosy

4. Trichophyton rubrum

The correct answer is: Leprosy

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is indeed a well-known infection that affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. However, within the context of the options presented, Trichophyton rubrum, while it refers to a fungus and not a skin condition itself, is the causative agent of several skin infections, specifically tinea (ringworm) conditions. Acne is a common skin condition that results from clogged hair follicles, while chondrodermatitis describes a type of skin condition associated with irritation, often of the ear. In contrast, while all three conditions and the fungus listed have significant implications for skin health, leprosy is distinguished more as an infectious disease with systemic implications rather than a direct, common dermatological condition commonly encountered in various settings today, particularly in comparison to the other options. This distinction might lead to the interpretation that it stands out as less known among the general population, despite its historical significance and continuing relevance in certain regions of the world.