Question:medium

"Koplik's spots" on the oral mucosa are a pathognomonic sign of which infectious disease?

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Koplik's spots = \textbf{Measles hallmark}. Seen before rash $\rightarrow$ helps early diagnosis.
Updated On: Mar 19, 2026
  • Rubella
  • Measles
  • Chickenpox
  • Scarlet fever
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A "pathognomonic sign" is a symptom that is specifically characteristic of a particular disease and can be used to make a definitive diagnosis.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Koplik's spots are small, white spots (often compared to grains of salt) on a reddened background that appear on the inside of the cheeks.
They typically appear 2 to 3 days before the measles rash begins.
Their presence is diagnostic for Measles (Rubeola).
Rubella (German measles) shows Forchheimer spots (petechiae on the soft palate), not Koplik's spots.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Koplik's spots are the hallmark sign of Measles.
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