Weekly Year 2: Parasitology Exam - May 15, 2026 (Section A:

Question 1

Which one of the following is an intracellular parasite?

Accepted Answer

*Plasmodium falciparum* — Plasmodium falciparum is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects red blood cells and liver cells.

Question 2

Parasites can be classified based on their hosts. Which one of the following statements classifies an Ectoparasite?

Accepted Answer

A parasite that lives on the external surface of the host. — Ectoparasites reside on the exterior of the host organism, such as ticks on the skin of a mammal.

Question 3

Single-celled parasites utilize various physiological modes to take in molecules. Which one of the following is adopted for intake of nutrients for general existence within the parasite?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion — Diffusion is a passive process where molecules move from an area of high concentration to low concentration, allowing single-celled parasites to absorb nutrients directly from their environment.

Question 4

The following are genetic-based conditions which can lead to resistance against malaria infection EXCEPT?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis — Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affecting the respiratory and digestive systems and does not confer resistance to malaria.

Question 5

In which form does Fasciola hepatica infect the human host?

Accepted Answer

Metacercariae — Humans become infected with Fasciola hepatica by ingesting the infective metacercariae encysted on vegetation.

Question 6

Malaria infection is characterized by paroxysms. What is the interval of these paroxysms in a Plasmodium vivax infection?

Accepted Answer

48 hours (tertian) — Plasmodium vivax causes tertian malaria, with fever paroxysms occurring every 48 hours.

Question 7

Which of the following parasites can be diagnosed by cerebrospinal fluid biopsy?

Accepted Answer

*Taenia solium* — Neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval cysts of Taenia solium , can involve the central nervous system and may require CSF analysis for diagnosis.

Question 8

Trichomonas vaginalis is characterized by how many flagella?

Accepted Answer

Four anterior flagella and an undulating membrane — Trichomonas vaginalis possesses four anterior flagella and a single flagellum extending along the undulating membrane.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT true about bacterial flagella?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of protein subunits called tubulin. — Bacterial flagella are composed of flagellin protein, not tubulin, which is found in eukaryotic flagella and cilia.

Question 10

What is the purpose of bacterial endospores?

Accepted Answer

Survival in unfavorable conditions — Endospores are dormant, tough, and non-reproductive structures produced by some bacteria that allow them to survive harsh environmental conditions.

Question 11

Cells containing many nuclei are called

Accepted Answer

Coenocytic — Coenocytic refers to a multinucleate cell or organism that is not divided into compartments by cell membranes.

Question 12

The group or mass of hyphae is

Accepted Answer

Mycelium — Mycelium is a vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments (hyphae).

Question 13

Which of the following is the least common site for formation of a hydatid cyst?

Accepted Answer

Bone marrow — While hydatid cysts can form in various organs, bone marrow is a less frequent site compared to the liver, lungs, and brain.

Question 14

Which of the following meals is BEST advisable to be taken with albendazole?

Accepted Answer

A high-fat meal — Albendazole absorption is significantly increased when taken with a fatty meal.

Question 15

Which of the following is an armed tapeworm?

Accepted Answer

*Taenia solium* — Taenia solium is an armed tapeworm due to the presence of a rostellum with hooks at the scolex.

Question 16

Which of the following medication is given based on body weight in treatment of broad tapeworm?

Accepted Answer

Praziquantel — Praziquantel is a commonly used medication for treating tapeworm infections, and its dosage is typically calculated based on the patient's body weight.

Question 17

Each of the following statements concerning Ascaris lumbricoides is correct except?

Accepted Answer

Adult worms live in the large intestine. — Adult Ascaris lumbricoides worms reside in the small intestine, not the large intestine.

Question 18

The human infective stage of Taenia solium is?

Accepted Answer

Cysticercus cellulosae — Humans become infected with Taenia solium by ingesting undercooked pork containing the larval cysts (cysticercus cellulosae).

Question 19

In which muscles are hexacanth filtered out in the intermediate hosts?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscles — Hexacanth embryos typically develop into larvae within the skeletal muscles of intermediate hosts.

Question 20

Which part of the human body is not inhabited by the larvae in cysticercosis?

Accepted Answer

Bone marrow — While cysticercosis can affect various tissues including the brain, muscles, and eyes, bone marrow is not a typical site for cysticerci development.

Question 21

Which of the following parasites cause sparganosis?

Accepted Answer

*Spirometra* species — Sparganosis is a human infection caused by plerocercoid larvae of Spirometra species.

Question 22

Which parasite is best diagnosed using lymphatic fluid?

Accepted Answer

*Wuchereria bancrofti* — Lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti , is diagnosed by the presence of microfilariae in blood or lymphatic fluid.

Question 23

Which of the following tapeworm infections will require prescription with clonazepam? (Select all that apply)

Accepted Answer

Neurocysticercosis — Clonazepam (an anticonvulsant) is sometimes used to manage seizures associated with neurocysticercosis, where Taenia solium larvae infect the brain.

Question 24

Which parasite results into micropthalmia condition?

Accepted Answer

*Toxoplasma gondii* — Congenital toxoplasmosis, if untreated, can lead to ocular abnormalities such as microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes).

Question 25

Fish are second intermediate hosts of?

Accepted Answer

*Diphyllobothrium latum* — Diphyllobothrium latum , the broad fish tapeworm, uses fish as its second intermediate host.

Question 26

Which of the following secretes defensive secretions to cause irritation on human skin?

Accepted Answer

Chiggers (larval mites) — Chiggers, the larval stage of certain mites, secrete digestive enzymes onto the skin to liquefy tissues for feeding, causing intense itching and irritation.

Question 27

Holometabolous insects have?

Accepted Answer

Complete metamorphosis (larval, pupal, and adult stages) — Holometabolous insects undergo complete metamorphosis, characterized by distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Question 28

Which of the following transmits parasites for river blindness?

Accepted Answer

Black flies (*Simulium* species) — River blindness (onchocerciasis) is transmitted by the bite of infected black flies, which are vectors for Onchocerca volvulus .

Question 29

Which insecticide targets GABA in its action?

Accepted Answer

Fipronil — Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole insecticide that blocks GABA-gated chloride channels, leading to hyperexcitation and death of insects.

Question 30

Presence of triatomine bugs could predispose the population to?

Accepted Answer

Chagas disease — Triatomine bugs (kissing bugs) are vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi , the parasite that causes Chagas disease.

Question 31

People living in forested areas like Arabuko Sokoke are at a risk of?

Accepted Answer

Visceral leishmaniasis — Forested areas are often habitats for sandflies, which are vectors for leishmaniasis, including visceral leishmaniasis.

Question 32

Which of the following insects are commonly found in Latin America?

Accepted Answer

Triatomine bugs — Triatomine bugs, vectors of Chagas disease, are endemic to Central and South America.

Question 33

Pruritus can be best diagnosed for?

Accepted Answer

Scabies — Scabies is a skin infestation caused by mites, characterized by intense itching (pruritus), especially at night.

Question 34

If you found lice eggs (nits) in someone's clothing, what species would they most likely be from?

Accepted Answer

Body louse (*Pediculus humanus humanus*) — While head lice attach to hair shafts, body lice commonly lay eggs on clothing and in seams due to their more frequent detachment from the host.

Weekly Year 2: Parasitology Exam - May 15, 2026 (Section A:

Questions, Answers & Explanations