Weekly Year 2: Parasitology Exam - May 29, 2026 (Section A:

Question 1

Which one of the following is an intracellular parasite?

Accepted Answer

*Plasmodium falciparum* — Plasmodium falciparum infects red blood cells and liver cells, making it an intracellular parasite.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Parasites that live on the surface of the host's body. — Mesoparasites are those that live on the surface of the host, such as ectoparasites or those residing in body cavities like the conjunctiva.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Active Transport — Active transport allows the parasite to selectively take in specific molecules needed for its survival and mutualistic relationship with the host.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis — Sickle cell trait, G6PD deficiency, and thalassemia are known genetic conditions conferring some resistance to malaria. Cystic fibrosis is not associated with malaria resistance.

Question 5

In which form does Fasciola hepatica get into the human host?

Accepted Answer

Metacercaria — Humans become infected with Fasciola hepatica by ingesting metacercariae, which are encysted larval forms found 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 — Plasmodium vivax causes tertian malaria, characterized by fever paroxysms occurring every 48 hours (every third day).

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

*Plasmodium falciparum* — Trypanosoma brucei gambiense invades the central nervous system in the late stage of infection, and its presence in CSF can be detected.

Question 8

Trichomonas vaginalis is characterized by how many flagella?

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT true about bacterial flagella?

Accepted Answer

They are surrounded by the cell membrane. — Bacterial flagella are external structures and are not surrounded by the cell membrane.

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 certain bacteria to survive harsh environments.

Question 11

Cells containing many nuclei are called

Accepted Answer

Polynucleated — Polynucleated cells are cells that contain multiple nuclei.

Question 12

The group or mass of hyphae is

Accepted Answer

Mycelium — Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Bone marrow — Hydatid cysts, caused by Echinococcus granulosus , are most commonly found in the liver and lungs, followed by other organs like the brain. Bone marrow is a less common site.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

A high-fat meal — Albendazole is a lipid-soluble drug, and its absorption is significantly enhanced when taken with a fatty meal.

Question 15

Which of the following is an armed tapeworm?

Accepted Answer

*Taenia solium* — Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) is an armed tapeworm due to the presence of rostellar hooks on its scolex.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Praziquantel — Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treating broad tapeworm ( Diphyllobothrium latum ) infections, and it is typically dosed based on body weight.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Infection occurs by ingesting infective larvae. — Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides occurs by ingesting embryonated eggs containing infective larvae, not by ingesting infective larvae directly.

Question 18

The human infective stage of Taenia solium is?

Accepted Answer

Cysticercus — Humans are infected with the adult Taenia solium tapeworm by ingesting undercooked pork containing cysticerci (larval cysts).

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscles — Hexacanth embryos, after ingestion by intermediate hosts (like pigs for Taenia solium ), are filtered out and develop into cysticerci in the skeletal muscles.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Liver — Cysticercosis, caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium , commonly affects the brain, muscles, and eyes. The liver is not a typical site for cysticerci.

Question 21

Which of the following parasites cause sparganosis?

Accepted Answer

*Spirometra* — Sparganosis is a parasitic infection caused by the plerocercoid larvae (spargana) of tapeworms belonging to the genus Spirometra .

Question 22

Which parasite is best diagnosed using lymphatic fluid?

Accepted Answer

*Wuchereria bancrofti* — Diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti , often involves examining blood or lymphatic fluid for microfilariae.

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

*Taenia solium* neurocysticercosis — Clonazepam may be prescribed to manage seizures associated with neurocysticercosis, which is caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium .

Question 24

Which parasite results into micropthalmia condition?

Accepted Answer

*Toxoplasma gondii* — Congenital toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii , can lead to various developmental abnormalities, including microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes).

Question 25

Fish are second intermediate hosts of?

Accepted Answer

*Diphyllobothrium latum* — Diphyllobothrium latum (broad fish tapeworm) uses freshwater 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 secrete digestive enzymes onto the host's skin, which break down skin cells and cause intense itching and irritation.

Question 27

Holometabolous insects have?

Accepted Answer

Complete metamorphosis — Holometabolous insects undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes 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 female black flies belonging to the genus Simulium .

Question 29

Which insecticide targets GABA in its action?

Accepted Answer

Fipronil — Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole insecticide that acts by blocking GABA-gated chloride channels in insects, leading to hyperexcitation and death.

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

Tick-borne relapsing fever — Forested areas are often habitats for ticks, which can transmit diseases like tick-borne relapsing fever.

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 (Latin America).

Question 33

Pruritus can be best diagnosed for?

Accepted Answer

Scabies — Pruritus (itching) is a hallmark symptom of scabies, an infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei .

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*) — Body lice primarily lay their eggs (nits) on clothing fibers, whereas head lice and pubic lice lay eggs on hair shafts.

Weekly Year 2: Parasitology Exam - May 29, 2026 (Section A:

Questions, Answers & Explanations