Parasitology Practice Questions

Q: Trophozoites in stool are characteristically seen in which of the following conditions?

**Note:** This question has significant issues. Trophozoites in stool are characteristically seen in **protozoal infections** such as *Entamoeba histolytica* (amoebiasis), *Giardia lamblia*, or *Balantidium coli* [1][2] - none of which are listed as options. ***None of the given options is medically accurate*** for characteristic trophozoites in stool. However, if forced to choose from these options: *Ascariasis* - **Ascariasis** is caused by the nematode *Ascaris lumbricoides* - Diagnosis is by identifying **ova (eggs)** in stool, not trophozoites - Trophozoites are protozoal forms, not associated with helminthic infections [2] *Strongyloidiasis* - Caused by *Strongyloides stercoralis* (nematode) - Typically diagnosed by finding **rhabditiform or filariform larvae** in stool - Not characterized by trophozoites in routine stool examination *Eosinophilic gastroenteritis* - Inflammatory condition with **eosinophilic infiltration** of GI tract - Not a parasitic infection - No trophozoites present - diagnosis is by endoscopic biopsy showing eosinophils *Allergic colitis* - Inflammatory condition related to **food allergies** (common in infants) - Presents with blood and mucus in stool with eosinophilia - Not an infectious process - no trophozoites present **Clinical Pearl:** Trophozoites (motile feeding stage of protozoa) in stool are diagnostic of **acute intestinal protozoal infections** like amoebiasis or giardiasis, where they must be identified in fresh, warm stool samples as they rapidly deteriorate [1][2]. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Alimentary System Disease, pp. 364-365. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, pp. 801-802.

Q: Cylindrical helminths are -

Roundworms. ***Roundworms*** - **Roundworms**, also known as **nematodes**, are characterized by their **cylindrical body shape**. - Their unsegmented, tapered bodies distinguish them from flatworms like tapeworms and flukes. *Tapeworms* - **Tapeworms**, or **cestodes**, have **flat, ribbon-like bodies** segmented into proglottids. - They are not cylindrical but rather dorsoventrally flattened. *Flukes* - **Flukes**, or **trematodes**, have **flat, leaf-shaped bodies**, which are not cylindrical. - Their morphology includes suckers for attachment and they are not segmented. *Hookworms* - **Hookworms** are a type of **roundworm** (nematode), which means they are cylindrical. However, "Roundworms" is a broader and more accurate classification for the general term "cylindrical helminths." - While hookworms are indeed cylindrical, the option "Roundworms" encompasses all such cylindrical helminths, making it a more general and appropriate answer.

Q: In malaria, pre-erythrocytic schizogony occurs in -

Liver. ***Liver*** - After being introduced by a mosquito bite, **Plasmodium sporozoites** rapidly travel to the liver - In the liver, they invade **hepatocytes** and undergo asexual reproduction, known as **pre-erythrocytic (or hepatic) schizogony**, forming merozoites - This is the exo-erythrocytic cycle that occurs before red blood cell invasion *Lung* - The lungs are not a primary site for **Plasmodium** development or asexual reproduction in the human host - While some parasite components or host immune responses might involve the lungs in severe malaria, it is not where pre-erythrocytic schizogony occurs *Spleen* - The **spleen** is primarily involved in clearing infected red blood cells and acts as a site for immune responses to malaria, but not for initial schizogony - It plays a significant role in the **erythrocytic stage** of malaria by filtering and destroying parasitized red blood cells *Kidney* - The **kidneys** are not involved in the life cycle of the **Plasmodium parasite** during pre-erythrocytic schizogony - While malaria can cause **renal complications** (such as acute kidney injury in severe cases), this is a pathological effect, not a site of parasite development

Q: Which of the following is the only ovoviviparous parasite among the options provided?

Strongyloides. ***Strongyloides*** - *Strongyloides stercoralis* stands out as the only **ovoviviparous** parasite among the options, meaning that its eggs hatch while still inside the uterus of the female worm. - The female worm lays **larvated eggs** that quickly hatch into **rhabditiform larvae** in the intestine or intestinal wall, which are then passed in the feces. *Ascaris* - *Ascaris lumbricoides* is **oviparous**, laying **unembryonated eggs** that are passed in the feces and require a period of maturation in the soil to become infective. - The eggs are robust and can survive for long periods in the environment before they are ingested. *Enterobius* - *Enterobius vermicularis* (pinworm) is also **oviparous**, with the female worm migrating to the perianal region to lay **embryonated eggs** on the skin. - These eggs are immediately infective to humans upon ingestion. *Ancylostome* - Ancylostomes (hookworms) are **oviparous** and lay **thin-shelled eggs** that are passed in the feces and hatch into rhabditiform larvae in the soil. - These larvae then develop into infective **filariform larvae** that penetrate the skin.

Q: Infective form of Hookworms?

Filariform larva. ***Filariform larva*** - The **filariform larva (L3)** is the infective stage of hookworms, capable of penetrating intact skin. - Upon penetration, these larvae migrate through the bloodstream to the lungs, then up the bronchial tree to be swallowed, eventually maturing in the intestines. *Egg* - Hookworm **eggs** are passed in the feces of infected individuals and are not infective to humans directly. - They require favorable conditions (warm, moist soil) to embryonate and hatch into rhabditiform larvae. *Rhabditiform larva* - The **rhabditiform larva (L1)** is the first larval stage that hatches from the egg in the soil. - It is a non-infective, free-living stage that feeds on bacteria and molts twice to become the infective filariform larva. *Adult worm* - **Adult worms** reside in the small intestine of the host and are not the infective form. - They attach to the intestinal mucosa and feed on blood, causing the characteristic anemia associated with hookworm infection.

Q: Maximum density of microfilariae in blood is reported to be between -

11 pm to 2 am. ***11 pm to 2 am*** - This period aligns with the **nocturnal periodicity** of *Wuchereria bancrofti* and *Brugia malayi* microfilariae, which are the most common causes of filariasis. - The microfilariae migrate to the **peripheral circulation** during these hours, making it the optimal time for blood smear collection for diagnosis. *9 pm to 11 pm* - While still within the active period for microfilarial migration, the **peak density** is generally observed slightly later. - Blood drawn during this time might show microfilariae, but in lower concentrations compared to the peak. *8 pm to 10 pm* - This timing is generally a little too early to consistently capture the **highest microfilarial load** in nocturnal periodic infections. - The microfilariae are still in the process of migrating from deeper tissues to the peripheral blood. *2 am to 5 am* - By this time, the microfilarial density in the peripheral blood of **nocturnal periodic species** usually starts to decline. - While some microfilariae may still be present, the count would likely be lower than during the earlier peak hours.

Q: A 4 year old child presents with acute watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Stool microscopy reveals trophozoites with falling leaf motility. What is the etiological agent?

Giardia lamblia. **Giardia lamblia** - The presence of **trophozoites** with characteristic **falling leaf motility** in stool microscopy is pathognomonic for **Giardia lamblia** infection. - **Giardiasis** commonly causes **acute watery diarrhea** and **abdominal cramps** in children, often acquired through contaminated water or food. *Entamoeba histolytica* - **Entamoeba histolytica** causes **amoebic dysentery**, characterized by bloody diarrhea, unlike the watery diarrhea described. - Its trophozoites exhibit **directional motility** with pseudopods and may contain ingested red blood cells, not falling leaf motility. *Trichomonas tenax* - **Trichomonas tenax** is found in the **oral cavity** and is not associated with intestinal infections or diarrhea. - Its typical habitat and clinical presentation are entirely different from the symptoms described. *Balantidium coli* - **Balantidium coli** is a large, ciliated protozoan whose trophozoites have a **distinctive kidney-shaped macronucleus** and rotary motility with cilia. - It causes **balantidiasis**, which can range from asymptomatic to dysentery, but its trophozoite morphology and motility are distinct from falling leaf.

Q: Which of the following statements about Helminths is false?

Body cavity is present in trematodes. ***Body cavity is present in trematodes*** - Trematodes are **flatworms** (Platyhelminthes), which are **acoelomate**, meaning they lack a true body cavity or coelom. - Their internal organs are embedded in a **parenchymal tissue** rather than being suspended within a fluid-filled cavity. *Alimentary canal is complete in Nematodes* - **Nematodes** (roundworms) possess a **complete alimentary canal**, with a distinct mouth, intestine, and anus. - This allows for **unidirectional flow of food** and waste through their digestive system. *Nematodes have separate sexes* - **Nematodes** are generally **dioecious**, meaning they have separate male and female individuals. - This sexual dimorphism is a characteristic feature for most species within this phylum. *Alimentary canal is Present but incomplete* - The statement refers to the digestive system of **Platyhelminthes** (flatworms) like trematodes and cestodes, where the alimentary canal is present but **incomplete** (lacking an anus). - This means they have a **single opening** that serves as both mouth and anus for digestion.

Q: Consumption of uncooked pork is likely to cause which of the following helminthic disease -

Taenia solium. ***Taenia solium*** - Infection with **_Taenia solium_** (pork tapeworm) occurs by consuming raw or undercooked **pork** containing **cysticerci** (larval cysts). - This can lead to **taeniasis** (intestinal tapeworm infection) and, if humans ingest the eggs, **cysticercosis**, a more severe disease involving larval cysts in tissues like the brain. *Taenia saginata* - **_Taenia saginata_** (beef tapeworm) is acquired by eating raw or undercooked **beef** containing larval cysts, not pork. - While it causes gastrointestinal symptoms, it does not typically lead to systemic cysticercosis in humans. *Trichuris trichiura* - **_Trichuris trichiura_** (whipworm) infection is caused by ingesting **embryonated eggs** from contaminated soil, typically associated with poor sanitation. - It is not transmitted through the consumption of undercooked meat. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **_Taenia solium_** is definitively associated with the consumption of uncooked pork.

Q: Cutaneous larva migrans is due to ?

Ancylostoma braziliense. ***Ancylostoma braziliense*** - **Cutaneous larva migrans** is primarily caused by the larvae of **dog and cat hookworms**, especially *Ancylostoma braziliense*. - Humans become **accidental hosts** when these larvae penetrate the skin but cannot complete their life cycle, leading to **serpiginous tracks**. *W. bancrofti* - This parasite, **Wuchereria bancrofti**, is a filarial nematode that causes **lymphatic filariasis** (elephantiasis). - Its effects are characterized by **lymphedema** and **hydrocele**, not migrating skin lesions. *B. Malayi* - **Brugia malayi** is another filarial nematode responsible for **lymphatic filariasis** in humans, similar to *W. bancrofti*. - It primarily causes **swelling of the limbs** and scrotum, not cutaneous larva migrans. *D. medinensis* - **Dracunculus medinensis** is the parasite that causes **dracunculiasis**, also known as **Guinea worm disease**. - This infection is characterized by a **painful blister** and subsequent emergence of the adult worm, which is distinct from creeping eruptions.

Question 1

Trophozoites in stool are characteristically seen in which of the following conditions?

Answer

Ascariasis

Answer

Strongyloidiasis

Answer

Allergic colitis

Answer

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis

Question 2

Cylindrical helminths are -

Accepted Answer

Roundworms

Answer

Tapeworms

Answer

Flukes

Answer

Hookworms

Question 3

In malaria, pre-erythrocytic schizogony occurs in -

Accepted Answer

Liver

Answer

Lung

Answer

Spleen

Answer

Kidney

Question 4

Which of the following is the only ovoviviparous parasite among the options provided?

Accepted Answer

Strongyloides

Answer

Ascaris

Answer

Enterobius

Answer

Ancylostoma

Question 5

Infective form of Hookworms?

Accepted Answer

Filariform larva

Answer

Egg

Answer

Rhabditiform larva

Answer

Adult worm

Question 6

Maximum density of microfilariae in blood is reported to be between -

Accepted Answer

11 pm to 2 am

Answer

9 pm to 11 pm

Answer

8 pm to 10 pm

Answer

2 am to 5 am

Question 7

A 4 year old child presents with acute watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Stool microscopy reveals trophozoites with falling leaf motility. What is the etiological agent?

Accepted Answer

Giardia lamblia

Answer

Trichomonas tenax

Answer

Balantidium coli

Answer

Entamoeba histolytica

Question 8

Which of the following statements about Helminths is false?

Accepted Answer

Body cavity is present in trematodes

Answer

Alimentary canal is complete in Nematodes

Answer

Nematodes have separate sexes

Answer

Alimentary canal is present but incomplete in trematodes

Question 9

Consumption of uncooked pork is likely to cause which of the following helminthic disease -

Accepted Answer

Taenia solium

Answer

Taenia saginata

Answer

Trichuris trichiura

Answer

None of the options

Question 10

Cutaneous larva migrans is due to ?

Accepted Answer

Ancylostoma braziliense

Answer

W.bancrofti

Answer

B. Malayi

Answer

D. medinensis

Parasitology — MCQs

Parasitology — MCQs

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