Helminths

 

 

Here are 11 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on helminths:

Question 1: Which of the following is a characteristic feature of tapeworms (cestodes)?

a) They have a distinct head called a scolex

b) They possess a digestive system

c) They are primarily found in the urinary tract

d) They reproduce by binary fission 

Correct Answer: a) They have a distinct head called a scolex

Explanation: Tapeworms have a scolex at the anterior end, which is adapted for attachment to the host's intestinal wall with structures like hooks or suckers.

Question 2: What is the primary method of transmission for hookworms?

a) Ingesting contaminated food

b) Mosquito bites

c) Skin penetration

d) Sexual contact 

Correct Answer: c) Skin penetration

Explanation: Hookworm larvae penetrate the skin, usually of the feet, from soil contaminated with human feces containing the eggs or larvae.

Question 3: Which helminth is known for causing lymphatic filariasis?

a) Ascaris lumbricoides

b) Wuchereria bancrofti

c) Schistosoma mansoni

d) Enterobius vermicularis 

Correct Answer: b) Wuchereria bancrofti

Explanation: Wuchereria bancrofti is a nematode that causes lymphatic filariasis, leading to elephantiasis in chronic cases due to blockage of lymphatic vessels.

 

Question 4: The intermediate host for Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) is:

a) Humans

b) Pigs

c) Cattle

d) Mosquitoes 

Correct Answer: b) Pigs

Explanation: Humans are the definitive host for Taenia solium, while pigs serve as the intermediate host where the larval stage (cysticercus) develops.

 

Question 5: Which of these helminths causes schistosomiasis?

a) Dracunculus medinensis

b) Strongyloides stercoralis

c) Schistosoma haematobium

d) Trichuris trichiura 

Correct Answer: c) Schistosoma haematobium

 

Explanation: Schistosomiasis, or bilharzia, is caused by several species of Schistosoma, with S. haematobium affecting the urinary tract.

Question 6: The term "pinworm" refers to which helminth?

a) Trichinella spiralis

b) Enterobius vermicularis

c) Necator americanus

d) Ascaris lumbricoides 

Correct Answer: b) Enterobius vermicularis

Explanation: Enterobius vermicularis is commonly known as the pinworm or threadworm, causing enterobiasis, particularly in children.

 

Question 7: What is the diagnostic method for detecting Ascaris lumbricoides infection?

a) Blood smear

b) Stool examination for eggs

c) Skin biopsy

d) Urine culture 

Correct Answer: b) Stool examination for eggs

Explanation: The eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides are detected in the feces of infected individuals, which is the primary diagnostic method.

 

Question 8: Which helminth can cause anemia due to blood loss?

a) Taenia saginata

b) Ancylostoma duodenale

c) Echinococcus granulosus

d) Loa loa 

Correct Answer: b) Ancylostoma duodenale

Explanation: Ancylostoma duodenale, a hookworm, feeds on blood from the host's intestinal wall, potentially leading to iron deficiency anemia.

 

Question 9: Hydatid disease is caused by:

a) Fasciola hepatica

b) Echinococcus granulosus

c) Taenia saginata

d) Dracunculus medinensis 

Correct Answer: b) Echinococcus granulosus

Explanation: Echinococcus granulosus causes hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis, where the larval stage forms cysts in organs, most commonly the liver.

 

Question 10: What is the vector for Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea worm)?

a) Tsetse fly

b) Mosquito

c) Copepods (water fleas)

d) Sandfly 

Correct Answer: c) Copepods (water fleas)

Explanation: Dracunculus medinensis larvae are ingested by copepods in water, and humans get infected by drinking water containing these infected copepods.

 

Question 11: Which helminth is associated with the "swimmer's itch"?

a) Schistosoma japonicum

b) Ancylostoma braziliense

c) Fasciola hepatica

d) Trichinella spiralis 

Correct Answer: a) Schistosoma japonicum

Explanation: Swimmer's itch or cercarial dermatitis can be caused by the larval stage of Schistosoma japonicum penetrating human skin in freshwater.