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.

Try it

Microbiology · Parasitology

Sample item

What protozoan causes malaria?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Plasmodium species

Plasmodium parasites infect hepatocytes and erythrocytes and are transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes, causing malaria syndromes.

Option by option

  • A. Trichomonas tenax

    Trichomonas tenax is not the cause of malaria.

  • B. Giardia lamblia

    Giardia causes malabsorptive diarrhea.

  • C. Plasmodium species (correct)

    Correct: Plasmodium species cause malaria.

  • D. Entamoeba coli

    Entamoeba coli is generally nonpathogenic intestinal amoeba.

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.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is C, Plasmodium species. Plasmodium parasites infect hepatocytes and erythrocytes and are transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes, causing malaria syndromes.

Why is "Trichomonas tenax" not the answer?

Trichomonas tenax is not the cause of malaria.

Why is "Giardia lamblia" not the answer?

Giardia causes malabsorptive diarrhea.

Why is "Entamoeba coli" not the answer?

Entamoeba coli is generally nonpathogenic intestinal amoeba.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: Plasmodium species cause malaria.

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.