Koplik spots are pathognomonic for which disease?

Koplik spots are pathognomonic for which disease?

• A. Mumps
• B. Rubella
• C. Varicella
• D. Measles

Answer: (D)

Koplik spots are a highly specific sign of measles. They are tiny bluish-white spots on the inside of the cheek (buccal mucosa), usually seen 1–2 days before the measles rash appears and alongside fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. Because this finding is so characteristic for measles, seeing Koplik spots strongly supports that diagnosis in the right clinical context. Other conditions listed do not produce these spots—mumps presents mainly with parotid gland swelling, rubella tends to have a milder illness with a different rash, and varicella shows vesicular skin lesions. Note that absence of Koplik spots doesn’t rule out measles, but their presence is highly informative.

Koplik spots are a highly specific sign of measles. They are tiny bluish-white spots on the inside of the cheek (buccal mucosa), usually seen 1–2 days before the measles rash appears and alongside fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. Because this finding is so characteristic for measles, seeing Koplik spots strongly supports that diagnosis in the right clinical context.

Other conditions listed do not produce these spots—mumps presents mainly with parotid gland swelling, rubella tends to have a milder illness with a different rash, and varicella shows vesicular skin lesions. Note that absence of Koplik spots doesn’t rule out measles, but their presence is highly informative.