Parasitology: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Parasitology

Sample item

What helminth can cause intestinal obstruction when burden is heavy?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Ascaris lumbricoides

Heavy Ascaris lumbricoides infestation can form a bolus of worms in the intestine, causing obstruction and occasionally biliary or pancreatic complications.

Option by option

  • A. Taenia saginata

    Taenia saginata usually causes mild intestinal taeniasis.

  • B. Schistosoma mansoni

    S. mansoni causes hepatointestinal schistosomiasis rather than worm-bolus obstruction.

  • C. Enterobius vermicularis

    Enterobius usually causes perianal itching.

  • D. Ascaris lumbricoides (correct)

    Correct: heavy Ascaris burden can obstruct bowel.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, Ascaris lumbricoides. Heavy Ascaris lumbricoides infestation can form a bolus of worms in the intestine, causing obstruction and occasionally biliary or pancreatic complications.

Why is "Taenia saginata" not the answer?

Taenia saginata usually causes mild intestinal taeniasis.

Why is "Schistosoma mansoni" not the answer?

S. mansoni causes hepatointestinal schistosomiasis rather than worm-bolus obstruction.

Why is "Enterobius vermicularis" not the answer?

Enterobius usually causes perianal itching.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: heavy Ascaris burden can obstruct bowel.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Parasitology?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.